Reaching Suppliers Beyond Tier One

Drivers for working conditions and occupational safety and health improvement in food and agricultural global supply chains

According to ILO estimates, 60 to 80 percent of world trade involves global supply chains (GSCs). The contribution of these trade mechanisms to global economic growth and job opportunities is clear, however their impact on the working conditions, safety and health of workers involved in developing countries, raises concern.

The ILO Governance and Tripartism Department recently published the results of research conducted jointly with the European Union on three food and agriculture global value chains (Coffee, Lychee and Palm Oil).

On 30 November, representatives of private enterprise joined ILO and other stakeholders for a roundtable discussion on innovative approaches for addressing key challenges identified in the report, and to improve Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in the lowest tiers of agricultural value chains.

From left to right, Mr. Ashwin Selvaraj, Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil, Ms. Noura Hanna, UTZ, Ms. Githa Roelans, Head of the Multinational Entreprises and Enterprise Engagement Unit of the ILO Enterprises Department, Mr. Wilbert Flinterman, Fairtrade International, Mr. Mickael Blais, the French Alliance for Sustainable Palm Oil.