Commissioner Wilton Simpson Leads National Effort of State Agriculture Commissioners to Protect Timber Industry from Harmful European Union Deforestation Policy
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson released a letter signed by 18 Commissioners of Agriculture across America to implore U.S. Senators and members of the Trump Administration to exempt U.S. forests from the onerous and damaging impacts of the European Union’s deforestation proposal. If implemented in its current form, the European Union Deforestation Regulation rule would significantly impact the United States timber industry, a world leader in forest stewardship.
“We finally have a leader in the White House in President Trump and an administration that cares about farmers and will push back on policies that put America at a disadvantage,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “Our voices matter and with this letter and the personal advocacy of Agriculture Commissioners across the states, I believe we can turn back the impending policies that do not recognize the good work of our American foresters that believe in appropriate stewardship and true sustainability.”
Read the full letter HERE or excerpts below:
“We sincerely write to you to request that you address the potential negative implications the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) rule will place on the United States’ agricultural and forestry industries. The regulation, effective December 30, 2025, aims to guarantee that the products the European Union (EU) uses do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation worldwide. However, the United States is a low risk designated country, which does not contribute to deforestation yet is still subject to potentially overburdensome compliance which will create a significant economic impact.”
“Three pressing concerns of this burdensome regulation include infringement of private property rights, the confidentiality and security of geolocation traceability, and economic impacts to U.S. agriculture. By prohibiting timber mills from accepting wood from lands that are planned for conversion to another agricultural use, the EUDR rule limits landowners’ options and handicaps their ability to employ the highest and best use of their land. Private property rights are a cornerstone of the U.S. economic, legal, and social systems. They provide the foundation for economic growth, investment, and innovation.”
“The U.S. forest products industry accounts for approximately 5% of the nation’s total manufacturing gross domestic product, manufactures approximately $350 billion in products annually, employs roughly 925,000 people, and is among the top 10 manufacturing sectors with employers in 43 states across the country. If the EUDR rule is left unchanged, it is projected to have an estimated $8 billion annual impact on U.S. agricultural exports to the EU.”
“We ask that you express strong opposition to the EUDR rule to protect private property rights, seek clarity and guidance on how land use conversion will be defined and enforced, advocate for exemptions for low risk designated countries with sustainability managed properties, including but not limited to incentivizing conservation practices and programs, and demand an economic impact analysis to evaluate how this regulation will affect agriculture globally.”
For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.
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