A Message of Thanks to the Southern Pine Community
As we celebrate thanks throughout November, I want to share my sincere gratitude for each of you throughout the Southern Pine lumber community.
Your commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainable forest management strengthens markets, supports jobs, and contributes to thriving communities here at home and around the world.
SFPA’s mission is only possible because of your engagement — through events, research, advocacy, technical support, international outreach, and the countless conversations that push our industry forward.
I’m grateful for the collaboration, the ideas you share, and the trust you place in our Association. Our industry moves fast, and quiet moments can be rare. Please know how appreciated you are.
November also brings Veterans Day, and I want to extend special recognition to the veterans among us. As the son of a proud servicemember, I’ve seen firsthand the commitment and sacrifice required to protect our freedoms. To those who have served, and to the families who stand behind them, thank you. Our industry — and our nation — is stronger because of you.
On behalf of the entire SFPA team and our board of directors, we wish you a warm and meaningful Thanksgiving holiday. We look forward to continuing our work together in the year ahead.
With gratitude,
Eric
What’s Going On With the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
In case you missed it, the European Commission proposed new EUDR implementation deadlines and compliance measures. Under the updated proposal released October 20, 2025:
- Large and medium-sized enterprises must comply by December 30, 2025, but will receive a six-month grace period for enforcement.
- Micro and small enterprises will have until December 30, 2026.
SFPA has signed on to two letters in the past few weeks with nearly a dozen other U.S. forest products industry organizations, asking for a full delay for all enterprises and greater simplification of the regulation.
SFPA and its partners strongly support a thoughtful, comprehensive approach to EUDR implementation. A full delay is necessary to ensure the regulation is both effective and practical for responsible, low-risk supply chains like those in the United States.
Rushing simplification risks unintended trade disruptions and places unnecessary burdens on sustainably managed U.S. forests.
SFPA will continue to engage with U.S. trade representatives and the Department of Commerce, as well as other organizations representing affected commodities and U.S. forest products industry representatives, to highlight the significant challenges the EUDR poses to the agricultural and forest products supply chain, especially in how it may impact Southern Pine exports.
SFPA has established a webpage on SouthernPine.com dedicated solely to the EUDR, its history, developments, and future updates to help you navigate this new system.