The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which came into force in 2023, represents a significant shift in how natural resource businesses must operate to ensure compliance with strict deforestation-free supply chains. This new law requires companies that place products such as palm oil, soy, timber, coffee, cocoa, rubber, and cattle products on the EU market to provide proof that they are not linked to deforestation.

With enforcement beginning in 2025, businesses that fail to meet these requirements risk substantial fines, reputational damage, and loss of market access. However, for many companies, the biggest challenge is not just meeting regulatory requirements—it is finding and integrating the right talent with the expertise to navigate this complex legal and sustainability landscape.

The Growing Need for Regulatory and Sustainability Experts

For European natural resource businesses, compliance with the EUDR demands an unprecedented level of due diligence, data transparency, and supply chain oversight. This shift places sustainability, legal, and procurement teams under immense pressure to transform the way they operate. As a result, demand is surging for professionals with expertise in:

• EU Regulatory Compliance – Professionals who understand the intricacies of the EUDR and can ensure that businesses meet due diligence requirements.

• Supply Chain Traceability and Monitoring – Specialists who can implement and oversee robust tracking systems to verify that products are deforestation-free.

• Sustainability and ESG Reporting – Individuals skilled in data management and sustainability metrics, capable of translating regulatory requirements into actionable insights.

• Risk Assessment and Legal Expertise – Lawyers and compliance officers who can guide businesses through the legal implications of non-compliance.

• Sustainable Procurement and Supplier Engagement – Procurement professionals with the ability to work closely with suppliers to ensure they adopt sustainable sourcing practices.

The Talent Shortage in EUDR-Related Roles

Despite this growing demand, there is a shortage of professionals with the right combination of skills. Many businesses are scrambling to build in-house capabilities or seeking external support to upskill existing teams. Given the complexity of the EUDR, companies must compete for a limited pool of sustainability experts, regulatory specialists, and supply chain analysts who truly understand the nuances of the legislation.

Additionally, many organisations are facing a knowledge gap at the leadership level, where executive teams may not yet fully grasp the operational challenges and strategic adjustments required to align with the EUDR. This gap underscores the need for senior hires who can drive systemic change within companies and embed compliance into core business operations.

How Acre Supports Businesses in Securing Top EUDR Talent

At Acre, we have over 20 years of experience helping businesses navigate complex sustainability and ESG challenges through talent acquisition, market intelligence, and advisory services . With our deep networks across sustainability, compliance, and supply chain management, we are uniquely positioned to help European natural resource businesses secure the expertise they need to meet EUDR requirements.

1. Access to an Unrivalled Talent Pool

Acre’s global network of sustainability professionals includes experts in regulatory compliance, sustainable procurement, and ESG strategy. Our executive search and professional recruitment services enable businesses to identify and attract highly skilled professionals who can help them navigate the EUDR landscape.

2. A Specialised Approach to Hiring for EUDR Compliance

Understanding that EUDR compliance requires a mix of legal, operational, and sustainability expertise, we tailor our search to find candidates who not only understand the legislation but can also translate its requirements into business-friendly strategies.

For example, in the timber and paper industry, businesses require specialists who can manage chain-of-custody certifications and ensure compliance with FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) standards. In agriculture and food production, professionals with experience in deforestation-free supply chains, satellite monitoring, and supplier risk assessment are in high demand. Acre’s sector-specific expertise ensures we connect businesses with candidates who bring both technical knowledge and practical implementation skills.

3. Leadership and Advisory Services to Bridge the Knowledge Gap

Given the transformational nature of the EUDR, businesses need leadership teams that are well-versed in sustainability-driven regulation. Acre supports clients by identifying and placing C-suite executives and sustainability leaders who can drive compliance efforts from the top down.

Beyond recruitment, our advisory services help companies map out their talent needs, assess competency gaps, and provide strategic insights into how leading organisations are structuring their teams for compliance .

4. Market Research and Insights to Stay Ahead of Regulatory Changes

Acre conducts ongoing market research into team structures, hiring trends, and industry benchmarks, allowing businesses to stay ahead of evolving sustainability regulations. Our insights help companies understand how their peers are building compliance teams and what skills will be most critical in the coming years .

Future-Proofing Talent Strategies for EUDR Success

As the 2025 deadline for EUDR enforcement approaches, businesses must move quickly to strengthen their compliance teams and develop a clear talent acquisition strategy. The risk of non-compliance is not just financial—companies that fail to adapt could face supply chain disruptions, consumer backlash, and exclusion from the EU market.

To stay competitive, natural resource businesses must take a proactive approach to recruitment, focusing on:

• Upskilling internal teams through training in deforestation risk management and due diligence processes.
• Engaging with specialist recruiters like Acre to identify and attract the best talent in the field.
• Building long-term partnerships with sustainability professionals who can help navigate future regulatory shifts.

Partner with Acre for EUDR Talent Acquisition

Acre is at the forefront of sustainability and ESG recruitment, supporting businesses as they adapt to the regulatory landscape. Our proven expertise in hiring for climate risk, sustainability, and supply chain transformation makes us the partner of choice for companies seeking to build high-impact teams that will thrive under the EUDR.

If your organisation is preparing for EUDR compliance and needs support in sourcing top-tier sustainability and regulatory talent, get in touch with our team today. Together, we can build a deforestation-free future—one expert at a time.