Fairtrade International expressed strong disappointment with the European Parliament's decision to weaken the deforestation regulation (EUDR), warning that such compromise could harm farmers and responsible businesses. The organization called for a Global Green Deal and detailed its efforts to support compliance through capacity-building initiatives and a partnership with nature tech firm Satelligence for geolocation data collection.

Fairtrade International issued a statement urging the European Commission to clarify technical terms, provide financial support, and ease administrative burdens under the EU Deforestation Regulation. The organization warned that without such measures, small-scale coffee and cocoa producers may be unjustly cut off from the EU market. Furthermore, Fairtrade highlighted its updated Cocoa and Coffee Standards and its partnership with Satelligence to implement digital tools for monitoring deforestation risks.

The 2023 Annual Report from Fairtrade International outlines major milestones achieved in advancing fair labor standards, promoting ethical trade practices, and supporting marginalized producers and workers. The report emphasizes collective action among stakeholders to overcome challenges such as increased burdens from well-intentioned regulatory initiatives.

Fairtrade International released its first human rights and environmental due diligence (HREDD) report on December 8, 2023. The report aggregates audit data on labor rights, child protection, biodiversity, and other critical human and environmental factors across its certified supply chains. It emphasizes the need for fair due diligence practices, dialogue among companies, and shared responsibility to safeguard vulnerable communities.

Fairtrade International unveiled a new risk map tool aimed at identifying and visualizing human rights and environmental risks across major commodity supply chains. The initiative is designed to foster transparent dialogue among stakeholders, including farmers, workers, and companies, in order to address systemic issues such as poverty, inequality, and exploitation.

Fairtrade International is actively engaging in EU legislative processes to promote fairer supply chains and ensure that the burden of compliance with EU regulations is shared equitably. This advocacy supports marginalized producers and reflects the organization’s long-standing commitment to labor rights and environmental sustainability.