"Producers call for inclusive and impactful due diligence legislation", May 2022

In an open letter, Fairtrade farmers and workers - supported by businesses - call for impactful and strong due diligence legislation, asking the European Union to include their voices and needs in negotiations. The letter was signed by more than 270 producer organisations and supported by 48 companies.

Agricultural producers provide millions around the world with food and essential products, however they continue to face gross historical human rights violations, affecting their communities such as low incomes and wages, prevalence of child labour fueled by endemic poverty, gender violence and discrimination, and unhealthy working conditions. The issues are only exacerbated by impacts of COVID-19 and climate change.

“Dialogue with the people impacted by business is a fundamental principle in human rights and environmental due diligence. We, as rights holders, want our voices heard” reads an extract. Producers call on specific points to be addressed the upcoming due diligence legislation to ensure that their communities are protected as well:

1. Covering supply chains comprehensively
2. Sharing costs of compliance with Businesses
3. Adapting purchasing and trading practices
4. Preventing Cut and Run
5. Acting on living incomes and living wages
6. Meaningful stakeholder engagement