Bengaluru: Karnataka’s coffee heartland — comprising Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, and Hassan — is staring at a regulatory storm as the European Union’s stringent Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) looms large. The rule, set to take effect from Jan 1, 2026, mandates that exporters prove their coffee is deforestation-free by providing precise geolocation or polygon mapping data of plantations.For India, which exports over 70% of its coffee with nearly 60% heading to the EU, this regulation has sparked anxiety among growers, especially smallholders who form the backbone of the sector.“Coffee prices are finally looking up after years of volatility, but this regulation threatens to undo our gains,” said KK Vishwanath, vice-president of the Karnataka Coffee Growers Federation. “We are not against sustainability, but the cost and complexity of compliance are a burden on small farmers. Most of us don’t even know how to create GeoJSON files.”EUDR, adopted in 2023, is hailed as one of the world’s toughest laws to curb tropical deforestation. It bars the EU market from sourcing commodities linked to forest clearing after Dec 31, 2020, and requires importers to submit due diligence statements proving legality and sustainability. Plantations over four hectares must now submit polygon boundaries, while smaller plots can provide simple geolocation data.The Coffee Board of India, headquartered in Bengaluru, is racing to bridge the compliance gap. A grower registration model, integrated with its India Coffee App, is being rolled out. The app allows farmers to map their plantations, verify data through extension officers, and share information directly with exporters. “We want to make compliance painless,” said a senior Coffee Board official. “India is classified as a low-risk country under EUDR, which should reassure buyers. The app gives growers an official, credible platform to meet data requirements without relying on costly consultants.”At a recent workshop in Kodagu organised by the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, growers voiced concerns that the regulation could shut smallholders out of premium European markets. “We fear losing access to our biggest buyers,” said Machimada M Ravindra, convener of the Coffee National Beverage Movement. “If Europe closes its doors, farmers will be forced to sell at throwaway prices elsewhere. That’s a disaster for the three hilly regions of Karnataka, where coffee is not just a crop but a livelihood.“Some industry leaders, however, see an opportunity in the shift. Exporters say European buyers are already stockpiling Indian beans ahead of the new rules, and Karnataka’s shade-grown coffee has a competitive edge. “Our coffee is already environment-friendly,” said Chandapanda Prjwal Poovanna, a third-generation grower from Virajper in Kodagu. “We grow under native tree cover, which helps biodiversity. If the Coffee Board’s system works, this regulation could actually highlight our sustainable practices and fetch us a premium.“India’s coffee exports touched 3.9 lakh tonnes in the financial year 2024–25, earning Rs 15,449 crore, a jump from Rs 13,145 crore the previous year, according to Coffee Board data. Rising Robusta prices and growing demand from Italy, Belgium and the UK have fuelled this surge, despite global trade turbulence, including steep tariffs imposed by the US.But Vishwanath argues that the domestic market remains underdeveloped. India consumes very little coffee because chicory dilutes its flavour. If we reverse that ratio and promote coffee culture here, we can offset some of the export risks,” he added.For now, growers in Karnataka’s lush hills are watching the EU debate closely, balancing optimism with apprehension. “We are proud of our coffee,” said Sakleshpur grower Santosh Gowda. “But if compliance becomes a bureaucratic maze, small farmers like me could be left behind. The govt needs to stand with us, not just exporters.”
