Social standards in agricultural production

Social standards are becoming increasingly important for conventional agriculture too. Consumers want to be sure that their food products not only taste good, look good and are uncompromised in terms of quality, but that the conditions under which they were produced comply with social labour standards.

For the workers themselves, this can take the form of secure jobs, wages that are sufficient to secure their livelihoods, freedom to pursue active union membership or the safe handling of pesticides through the consistent wearing of protective clothing. Private-sector controls, voluntary commitment and/or certification can promote the enforcement of these kinds of standards.

The programme office for social and eco-standards is committed to social standards in agricultural production within the following activities:

• GRASP – Project: Criteria for good social practice in agriculture are being designed in a joint project with EurepGAP and the Swiss retail chain Coop and then tested in various countries. The ultimate aim is to offer incentives for the further development of existing food standards.
• Support for the Flower Label Programme: The seal of the Flower Label Programme (FLP) is a visible sign of environmental and socially compatible cut-flower production. In the past, GTZ advised some four fifths of today’s FLP companies in Africa and Latin America and, inter alia, is now promoting an education programme for female workers in the flower industry.
• Common Code for the Coffee Community (4C): 4C is a joint initiative that aims to secure socially, ecologically and economically sustainable coffee production. It is based on a voluntary code of conduct for all those involved in the coffee production chain. It communicates practices to coffee producers the world over that will empower them to optimise their production methods and enhance their competitiveness. Together with Seco and private partners in the European Coffee Federation (ECF/ ECF 4C Group), GTZ is providing extensive support across the board.