This paper highlights crucial measures that the European Union and member states should develop for an effective implementation of the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), particularly focusing on supporting smallholder farmers and their communities outside the EU.

The CSDDD is an EU directive that aims to advance responsible business behaviour in global value chains regarding human rights and the environment. Smallholder farmers hold a dual role, as economic operators with the responsibility to respect human rights and environmental standards as part of their business, and as rightsholders entitled to protection under internationally recognized human rights agreements.