Enabling digital solutions for deforestation-free commodities from smallholders (DigiDeFree)

To protect forests, the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) stipulates that the import of various agricultural products to European Union requires proof of deforestation-free production. This is a challenge for small-scale producers who lack information and the financial and technical means to provide proof. To maintain their market access, the project supports Mexican small-scale coffee and cocoa producers’ cooperatives through capacity building and the development of a digital tool for data generation and verification of deforestation-free production, based on the participatorily developed requirements of local stakeholders. Local promoters use the tool to support small-scale producers in implementing and verifying the deforestation-free status of coffee and cocoa. To strengthen North-South cooperation, actors along the supply chain are building a joint responsibility framework. Synergies with other projects, networks of stakeholders and the use of the ELAN platform create multiplier effects.

Project data

Countries: Mexico
IKI funding: 773,307.22 €
Duration: 10/2024 till 10/2027
Status: open
Implementing organisation: OroVerde - Die Tropenwaldstiftung
Implementing Partner: Plataforma Nuup, A.C.

ProNatura Sur

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State of implementation/results

The project promotes deforestation-free coffee and cocoa production by small-scale producers in south-eastern Mexico.
With the help of innovative technology for monitoring and data analysis, small-scale producers will gain more information over their deforestation-free production chain.
This enables the cooperatives and small producers to improve monitoring, long-term analyses and data-based adjustments to their production on the one hand, and to access the European market and strengthen their competitiveness on the other. This gives them access to higher price segments.
Local capacity building through the training of promoters contributes to attractive employment opportunities and sources of income.
The involvement of European importers ensures the functionality and dissemination of the digital solution and creates a shared responsibility framework.
Digital solution:
- Prototypes for the Deforestation and Legality Analysis Solution (Mobile Application & Web Console) developed.
- Application features: administration of structured questionnaires; georeferencing of plots directly in the field; polygon quality and consistency proof; spatial analysis related to Protected Natural Areas; deforestation analysis as well as dispute resolution mechanisms.
- Pilot projects testing digital solution.
Capacity Building:
- Mapping of coffee and cocoa actors in Chiapas.
- Interviews with institutional stakeholders and actors across coffee and cocoa value chains.
- Online and in-person workshops with producer organizations in Chiapas, Oaxaca and Veracruz.
- Capacity building on EUDR for the Instituto del Café del Estado de Chiapas (INCAFECH), the state-level public institution responsible for supporting coffee production in Chiapas.

Latest Update:
12/2025