Business model of agricultural traders in Switzerland raises human rights concerns, according to NGO report urging tougher rules
In June 2019, the Swiss NGO Public Eye published a report titled "Agricultural Commodity Traders in Switzerland: Benefitting from Misery?" looking at Switzerland’s role as a global hub of agricultural commodities. According to the report, the agricultural traders' market power, activities and business model can lead to human and labour rights abuses particularly in low-income countries, where many of the commodities traded by Swiss-based companies are produced. The report also calls on Switzerland to better regulate the sector.
Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited the 16 companies analysed by Public Eye to comment on the report.
1. Alvean Sugar did not respond
2. Archer Daniels Midland did not respond
4. Cargill did not respond
6. COFCO International response
8. Glencore Agriculture response
9. Louis Dreyfus Company response
10. Neumann Kaffee Gruppe did not respond
11. Olam response
15. Sucocitrico Cutrale did not respond
16. Volcafe response