Nestle, others warn EU law delays are endangering forests worldwide

By Virginia Furness

LONDON (Reuters) -Major agri-food companies including Nestle, Ferrero and Olam Agri have warned that European Union delays to its anti-deforestation law are endangering forests worldwide.

The EU last month proposed delaying the launch of its anti-deforestation law for a second time, citing concerns about the readiness of information-technology systems needed to support the law.

The delay could postpone the ban on imports of commodities such as palm oil linked to forest destruction for another year.

The law faces major opposition from industry and EU trade partners such as the United States and Brazil. EU Commissioner Jessika Roswall said last week the delay was not linked to U.S. concerns about the policy.

In a letter to Roswall – a copy of which was sent to Reuter