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Social Justice |
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Social Justice is an integral part of Organic Agriculture
Since the beginning of existence of IFOAM, 33 year ago, members are discussing the development and acknowledgement of social aspects in Organic Agriculture. There is no doubt that the holistic approach of Organic Agriculture also includes principles, which are related to benefits for human beings: farmers, workers, traders, retailers, all should be part of a fair process, which allows everybody to survive in ‘good’ conditions.
The interests of the parties involved in Organic Production and Trade are not always the same- at least under short term considerations -. IFOAM brings all those parties under one umbrella and considers it as a challenge to develop suitable tools for social justice in Organic Agriculture. Considering social aspects can bring additional costs (as well for social inspections or audits), they should be balanced in the end by the economic reward of all market partners.
Within the IFOAM Basic Standards
The IFOAM Basic Standards for Organic Production and Processing (IBS) include since 1996 a chapter about social justice (IBS Chapter 8), which is composed out of 1. General Principal, 2. Recommendations and 3. Standards. The recommendations refer mainly to conventions as defined by the International Labour Organisations (ILO). Within the standards part it is clearly indicated that production methods, which violate human rights cannot be certified as organic. Download here: Chapter 8 IFOAM Basic Standards
To develop standards which are “inspectable”
The SASA project (Social Accountability in Sustainable Agriculture) provided insights into the social auditing methods and experiences of SAI, FLO, SAN and IFOAM. Based on this experience the coordination & cooperation with the social and fair trade movement is increasing. The IFOAM Accredited Certification Bodies are currently harmonizing their approach in regard to a 'sample check list for social standards'. The proposed methodology defines a minimum compliance with a certain number of social criteria while it leaves space for continuous improvement.
Beyond standards
How social justice may be defined between the farm gate and the consumers table?
Code of Conduct for Organic Trade
A Code of Conduct has been developed by IFOAM trade members based on a study commissioned by IFOAM. This code includes a sophisticated procedural document and is available in English, French and Spanish. It is a learning tool for all those who like to make Organic Trade more sustainable in all aspects.
Code of Ethics – inspiring not only IFOAM affiliates
The IFOAM Organic Trade Forum has started to discuss a Code of Ethics for all IFOAM affiliates to be signed while joining IFOAM. The intention of this code is to raise awareness within the Organic community by signing a self commitment to follow ethical principles.
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