The South African fruit industry has come together to launch a new ethical trading programme.
Producers, exporters, trade bodies, government, labour representatives and local and international retailers came together in Johannesburg on Wednesday to kick-off the Fruit South Africa Ethical Trade programme.
The programme aims to “proactively develop” and implement policies and practices that will assist the improvement of labour in the South African fruit industry.
Derek Donkin, chairman of Fruit South Africa, said: “We are really excited to be launching this programme, which is based on South Africa’s progressive labour legislation and uses international best practices in audit methodology and independent third-party auditors. This programme has a strong development emphasis, for example the creation of training material and toolkits to increase awareness and improvement in labour practices.”
The body said endorsement of industry initiatives from retailers does not come easily, but local and international retailers were very positive about the roll out of the programme. Delegates at the event on Wednesdayfrom government also expressed support.
Retailers said the standard is helpful in making the law more accessible and understandable to growers and workers while also meeting high international labour standards.
The Fruit SA Ethical Trade Programme is currently being benchmarked against the Global Social Compliance Programme.
Fruit South Africa represents growers and exporters exporting fruit from southern Africa, valued at R20 billion (£1.6bn) annually and employing over 200,000 workers.
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