The concept was presented at Fruit Logistica in Berlin this week
The Fairmiles initiative has launched a consultation draft of its Just Transition Principles.
Fairmiles is a multi-stakeholder initiative focused on promoting fair and sustainable global fresh produce supply chains, and the principles propose a practical decision-making guide to help retailers, brands, and suppliers design and implement environmental, social, and ethical changes.
The idea is that these are done in ways that strengthen sustainability without creating unintended harm, protecting livelihoods and long-term supply chain resilience, particularly in low-income and vulnerable sourcing regions.
The launch also marks the announcement that Fairmiles will be formally facilitated by Colead, which it said will strengthen its governance, independence, and long-term ability to bring together businesses, researchers, and development partners around practical, evidence-based approaches to sustainability.
Responding to a growing risk
As pressure on companies to build more sustainable, resilient and responsible supply chains intensifies, Fairmiles said it has identified a growing risk that poorly designed sustainability and net-zero strategies could unintentionally undermine rural livelihoods, food security and economic resilience in vulnerable producer regions.
The Fairmiles Just Transition Principles have been developed to provide a practical, values-based framework to help decision makers balance environmental ambition with social and economic responsibility, ensuring that sustainability strategies and emissions-reduction pathways do not shift harm onto those least able to absorb it.
The consultation draft sets out principles and guidance to support, including:
- Fair and inclusive approaches to sustainability-driven change across supply chains
- Responsible sourcing practices that protect livelihoods and long-term market access for vulnerable producer communities
- Balanced, evidence-based decision-making that considers risks, impacts, and intended benefits
- Alignment with wider sustainability, climate justice, and Just Transition commitments.
Strengthened governance
Colead is an international non-profit association dedicated to inclusive and sustainable agri-food production and trade. It brings together value chain operators, service providers, donors and development partners to support stakeholders in low and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
Fairmiles said Colead’s facilitation strengthens its governance and independence, while expanding its reach and ability to convene multi-stakeholder dialogue, research and practical implementation across global fresh produce supply chains.
Jeremy Knops, délégué général of Colead, said: “Fairmiles addresses one of the most important and sensitive challenges facing global agri-food supply chains today – how to accelerate the transition to more sustainable supply chains while ensuring that vulnerable producer communities are not left behind.
”We are pleased to facilitate Fairmiles and to support the development of practical, evidence-based approaches that align environmental ambition with social justice, resilience and inclusive development. These principles will provide valuable guidance for businesses seeking to take responsible, long-term decisions across their global supply chains.
”This is fully aligned with our new Strategy 2030, which aims to transform Colead into an international movement – able to deliver greater positive impact, faster.”
Fairmiles has invited feedback from retailers, brands, suppliers, NGOs, development organisations, researchers and policy stakeholders on the consultation draft of the Just Transition Principles.
