Consumers and businesses are becoming more discerning when it comes to the origin of products. Good working conditions during cultivation plays an important role for the target group of conscious buyers of flowers and plants. Growers affiliated with Fair Flowers Fair Plants meet the requirements of international code of conduct for cut flower producers (ICC), prepared by the International Flower Coordination (IFC). This Code of Conduct covers the following 10 aspects:
1. Freedom of association and collective bargaining
2. No discrimination
3. Right to minimum wage
4. Respect working hours
5. A healthy and safe workplace
6. Responsible and minimal use of pesticides
7. Employment security
8. Environmental protection
9. No child labour
10. No forced labour
Observers are as a rule present during audits at nurseries to ensure that the required quality is in place before issuing a social certificate. In most cases there are two observers present: a representative of the trade union and a representative of a human rights organisation, who can support each other. During the audit they are not allowed to play an active role or to explore the company on their own initiative. The auditor is in all cases the final assessor with certification.
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