Our Objectives

Our Objectives

We aim to achieve tangible changes in the lives of people working in banana and pineapple chains that incorporate:

• Fair and ethical trade practices which are based on a fair living wage, equitable distribution of value along the chain, and competitive market access for small producers
• Dignity for workers and respect for labour and trade union rights
• Sustainable production systems which reduce dependence on hazardous substances and minimise adverse health and environmental impacts on natural resources, workers and communities
• Constructive dialogue between all economic and non-economic stakeholders that accelerates a transition to fair, equitable and sustainable banana and pineapple chains worldwide

Our Values

• Impartiality and rigour in the collection and analysis of information and evidence.
• Openness and inclusivity towards all players in the chain who seek equitable and sustainable solutions.
• Independence from governmental and business interests.
• Highest standards of ethical conduct: integrity, transparency and accountability.
• Mutual respect and solidarity among our partners and supporters.

Securing Decent Work

• Support efforts to organise and build the capacity for women and men plantation workers and their trade unions to secure their labour rights and living wages through collective bargaining, particularly in countries where there are significant obstacles such as Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala and Peru.
• Promote better health and safety practices and education for women and men on plantations
• Work towards gender equity by reducing the gender pay gap and other negative impacts of unequal power relations on plantations, such as discriminatory hiring and employment practices, sexual harassment and workplace violence.

Educating

• Facilitate the sharing and exchange of strategies between economic sectors on worker empowerment as a means of creating fairer supply chains, recognising the importance of establishing leadership and learning exchange programmes.
• Promote a better understanding of the complexities and impact of gender issues in the workplace.
• Raise consumer awareness of the true costs of tropical fruit production and engage them in action to tackle abusive corporate practices.
• Encourage teaching in universities and business schools that promotes responsibility in global value chains, and the coordination of civil society research into and action for value chain regulation through the Responsible Global Value Chains (RGVC) network and web platform.
• Work with our local communities in Norfolk to educate people about global sustainable development and the significance of biodiversity, poverty reduction and a decent life for all.