ASIGMA recently engaged with aBi Development to explore the deployment of Symos, its traceability system, in response to the upcoming European Union Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR). This regulation, effective December 31, 2024, will prohibit the import of commodities associated with deforestation into the EU market. Symos aims to enable compliance by tracking and verifying supply chain activities, ensuring transparency and accountability across stakeholders.
Focus on Uganda’s Agricultural Value Chains
The discussions highlighted Symos’s application in Uganda’s agricultural sector, particularly for coffee and cocoa value chains, which are vital for the country’s exports. Emphasis was placed on the system’s capacity to certify products as meeting the EU’s stringent environmental standards while providing end-to-end traceability for market players.
Both parties acknowledged the importance of involving micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), cooperatives, and larger entities in the implementation. Their participation is critical for a unified and effective approach to achieving compliance.
Budgeting and Practical Steps for Implementation
Key topics included the structural feasibility of Symos, budgeting considerations, and actionable steps to support a sustainable rollout. The partners explored strategies to engage diverse stakeholders, including regulatory agencies, private sector actors, and farmers, ensuring widespread adoption. Challenges such as data collection, reporting, and system integration were also addressed.
The Urgency of Compliance and Commitment to Sustainability
Both ASIGMA and aBi Development emphasized the urgency of implementing a robust traceability system before the EUDR enforcement deadline. Failure to comply could jeopardize Uganda’s access to the EU market, which is critical for agricultural exports.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to ongoing collaboration. Next steps included refining Symos to align with Uganda’s unique needs, coordinating with additional stakeholders, and developing a roadmap for compliance.
Driving Sustainability and Competitiveness
This partnership underscores ASIGMA’s dedication to fostering sustainability in agricultural supply chains. By equipping market players with cutting-edge tools like Symos, ASIGMA aims to strengthen Uganda’s global competitiveness while ensuring compliance with game-changing environmental regulations.
