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The Baru Nut Approved in the EU. A Win for Nature and Local Farmers

The baru nut has now been approved for sale in the EU. This benefits both farmers in Brazil’s Cerrado and nature conservation in one of the world’s most threatened ecosystems.

Brasilien, Forestry

29. December 2025

Skrevet af

Karen Sophie Krag

Hope Is Growing in the Cerrado

The approval has been subject to consultation among all EU member states, which have now given their green light: the baru nut can be enjoyed across Europe.

For most people, this may seem like just another piece of food news. For us, it means much more.

It means that we will soon be able to introduce one of the world’s most nutritious nuts to the Scandinavian market. But even more importantly, it strengthens our work in Brazil’s Cerrado – one of the most threatened ecosystems on the planet.

Cerradoen, Brasilien — The Cerrado in Brazil is increasingly under pressure from intensive agricultural production.

More Than a Delicacy

The baru nut grows wild on trees that help prevent soil erosion, maintain the water cycle, and create habitats for countless species.

The nut itself is rich in antioxidants, fibre, magnesium, and vitamin E. But its greatest value lies in the income it provides to local farmers—income that makes it possible for them to avoid selling their land to soy or cattle production. In other words, the forest can remain standing.

CEPPEC kooperativ i Cerradoen, Brasilien — The CEPPEC cooperative specialises in the collection and processing of baru nuts. Cerrado, Brazil.

A Cross-Continental Partnership

At Forests of the World, we work side by side with farmers in the Cerrado, the cooperative CEPPEC, our partner ECOA, and the Danish nut producer Nøddebazaren.

Together, we are building a value chain that begins in the dry yet vibrant savannah and is set to end on shelves across Scandinavia.

The EU approval of the baru nut opens a new opportunity to connect consumers in Scandinavia with local farmers in the Cerrado. But this is not just about introducing a new product to the market – it is about creating a value chain that protects nature and provides local families with a stable livelihood..

~ Sofie, Programme Officer at Forests of the World

Ahead of the launch, we will travel together with Nøddebazaren to the Cerrado to meet the people who harvest the nuts—to hear their stories and understand their challenges.

And to strengthen a partnership that can turn the baru nut into a resource that reaches far beyond shelves in Scandinavia.

A resource that helps keep forests standing and supports the local communities that protect them.