WASHINGTON D.C. – The Produce Marketing Association and United Fresh Produce Association are seeking public input on a draft Ethical Charter containing guiding principles and values intended to set a framework for responsible labor practices throughout the global fresh produce and floral supply chains.
“The Boards of United Fresh and PMA established a Joint Committee on Responsible Labor Practices last year to address this critical issue for the industry, recognizing the growing interest of stakeholders in transparency throughout the global supply chain,” said United Fresh Chairman Tony Freytag, Crunch Pak Sliced Apples. “The committee’s goal was to ensure that the industry has a clear and well-defined commitment to treat all workers with dignity and respect as they work to bring fresh produce and floral products to consumers. The associations are also seeking to proactively support opportunities for harmonization and convergence of positive efforts across the global fresh produce and floral supply chains,” Freytag said.
“Over the past year, the Committee has worked to develop guiding principles for global, industrywide responsible labor practices,” said PMA Chairman John Oxford, L&M Companies. “After engaging with multiple stakeholders both within and outside the industry, the associations are now inviting members of the industry, other stakeholders and the general public to submit online comments on the draft Ethical Charter containing the guiding principles and values intended to set a framework for further activity,” he said.
Copies of the Ethical Charter and a Terms of Reference document outlining our goals and objectives are now available on a Joint PMA/United Fresh webpage. (http://www.pma.com/content/articles/forms/invitation-for-consultation)
“Our associations now invite all other interested parties to visit their webpage to provide input on several questions, as well as provide any additional perspectives on the Ethical Charter or the associations’ work ahead,” said PMA CEO Cathy Burns. Public comments will be accepted through Monday, February 20.
“Our two associations will be reviewing all comments, and working with the committee to address any major themes and issues identified in the consultation process,” said United Fresh President & CEO Tom Stenzel. “We also intend to share a report on major themes identified, although individual comments will remain confidential.”
“It’s important that we hear from all interested parties, and all points of view,” said Burns and Stenzel. “We encourage comments from any source, whether representing organizations or individuals. And, we thank those in advance who share their views as we proceed on this important path.”
Source: United Fresh Produce Association
