Preparing for EU deforestation rules ‘feels almost like Groundhog Day’ – NIGTA

The Northern Ireland Grain Trade Association (NIGTA) has said its ongoing efforts to prepare for the pending introduction of the EU Deforestation Regulation feel “almost like Groundhog Day”. NIGTA president Aidan Fisher made the comments in his speech to the organisation’s recent annual dinner, where he highlighted the growing complexities relating to the matter. He said: “As we all know, local and national government policy can also have an impact on global supply chains.” Fisher noted that NIGTA members have “invested considerable time and effort” in preparing for the implementation of the EU deforestation regulations. “And we remain committed to continuing this work in the year ahead,” he said. “However, despite repeated engagement, it feels almost like Groundhog Day as a number of fundamental questions remain unanswered: most notably around the designation of a competent authority for Northern Ireland and clarity on which elements of the regulation will apply here. “Looking ...