Social Compliance in Agriculture

More and more companies are requiring social compliance assessments that go beyond the manufacturer-level in the supply chain to embrace the raw materials and agricultural producers at the farm level. With over half of the world's labor force active in agricultural production - with the majority of these laborers working in hazardous conditions for low wages and few benefits - agriculture remains associated with substandard worker health and safety conditions and child labor.

Social Compliance in Agriculture Program
CSCC has created a Social Compliance in Agriculture Program, that provides companies with training, code development, monitoring and program management for food production and food processing. We can assist in designing a comprehensive program that fits the short- or long- range goals of your company. Our services can be customized to include:

§ Ongoing social monitoring of agricultural fields
§ Code of conduct development;
§ Application of existing codes to the agriculture market
§ Customized tools formulation and program analysis;
§ Internal and supplier training and education;
§ Supplier assessments, monitoring, and corrective action follow-up;
§ A dedicated account manager to help manage and administer your program; and
§ Access to the secure online COSMOS Portal system, which provides real-time updates on audit scheduling, audit results, reports, history, and documentation.

Social Compliance in Agriculture Audit
The CSCC comprehensive audit tools, which are based on industry-wide best practices and internationally recognized standards, have been specifically adapted to the unique needs of agricultural production. The CSCC Social Compliance in Agriculture Audit covers the standard social compliance documentation and payroll assessments, private and confidential employee interviews, and worker health and safety checks. The audit also includes additional agriculture-specific components such as agrochemical use and storage practices, and basic waste and water management systems.

Audits occur during the harvest season when the greatest amount of activity and workers are present on the fields. Clients receive a comprehensive report that includes categorized data, a descriptive narrative, photographs, risk assessment, and recommendations for corrective actions are delivered to the client electronically or in hard copy.