- Woodland proprietors argue against the applicability of the supply chain regulation.
The chairman of the Forest Owners Association in Schleswig-Holstein, Hans-Caspar Graf zu Rantzau, slams the EU and the federal government for pushing policies that negatively impact private forest owners. Graf zu Rantzau claims that the Supplier Responsibility Law, designed to combat illegal logging, is impractical for German forest owners. To effectively implement this law, the necessary infrastructure would first need to be established. In the long run, proof of origin would need to be preserved for every log sourced from around 1.8 million forest owners across Germany. Graf zu Rantzau told dpa, "That's incredibly complicated. This concept was dreamt up by folks who are totally detached from reality."
For each tree, the origin would need to be verified. "An indicator such as 'Estate Management Pronstorf' wouldn't suffice." Illegal logging isn't an issue in Central Europe; however, all countries worldwide are treated as one. "It's not feasible. We aim to decrease bureaucracy. The proposed solution, unfortunately, would harm our location."
The deadline is set for December 31, 2024. "It's utterly unrealistic. It won't materialize as no individuals have been hired for the task yet. No framework has been established, neither in Germany nor within the EU."
At least, the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture recognizes the issue. "They're raising their hand, saying, 'hang on, we can't, we won't manage it'." More time is required. "If this can't be executed, but the legislation remains, operations will come to a standstill. No more trees will be cut down. No more timber trade, no sawmills, no paper factories," Graf zu Rantzau said. "Does the EU Parliament truly believe that our trading partners like Brazil, Central America, or African states can supply such proof?"
Even the Estate Management Pronstorf isn't ready. "Since I find this so preposterous, I can't fathom there's a chance of it being carried out. A moratorium will be necessary." Well-meaning policies can sometimes lead to catastrophes, Graf zu Rantzau stated.
The Supplier Responsibility Law's implementation requirements, including establishing necessary infrastructure and preserving proof of origin for every log, were highlighted by Graf zu Rantzau. The following shall be added: a call for additional time to meet these demands, as the current deadline is deemed unrealistic.
