PMA and United Fresh unveil Ethical Charter on Responsible Labor Practices

The Produce Marketing Association and the United Fresh Produce Association have jointly unveiled the Ethical Charter on Responsible Labor Practices, a framework for responsible labor practices in the fresh produce and floral supply chains.

What It Is

Work on developing the Ethical Charter began in late 2015 when the boards of directors of PMA and United Fresh formed the Joint Committee on Responsible Labor Practices to develop an industrywide framework that supports the dignity of workers who are critical in bringing fresh fruits, vegetables and floral products to consumers.

The committee of buyers and suppliers incorporated input from association members, key stakeholders and public comments to develop the Charter, which includes a set of guiding principles and values, and is based on a foundation of employment law, good management systems and sound occupational safety and health practices. 

Both boards approved the charter in January, with more than 40 companies formally endorsing it. These include companies such as Albertsons, Costco, Kroger, Sam's Club, Walmart and Wegmans, as well as numerous companies that produce fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers.

Now, the associations are moving to encourage companies throughout the produce and floral supply chains to add their endorsements.