Objectives 2010 - 2011
Principal axis
To develop stakeholder agreement on the sustainability of the sugar industry with reference in particular to the use of water. These agreements will take place both at the national and international level.
Key meetings
- Açucar Etico, a forum for stakeholders in the sugar sector of Brazil, to be held in July 2010 in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo. The focus of the forum will be “Facing mechanization in Brazil : Retraining workers and reinvigorating family agriculture”.
- Better Sugarcane Initiative AGM to be held in November 2010 in Puerto Rico.
Specific objectives
- To work out a voluntary system to capture the global impact of mechanisation.
- To develop programmes targeting the retraining and reemployment of those affected.
- To reinforce small-scale family agriculture as an alternative business model to plantation. monoculture and a better practitioner of sound water management.
Ongoing actions
- Publication of studies on varying labour and community problems in the international sugar supply chain.
- Organise a regional meeting on the impacts of mechanisation and alternatives to monoculture.
- Present programme of action to potential donors, such as the European Commission and French ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Build partnerships with relevant companies around the incorporation of sugar sustainability as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices.
- Active participation in delivering the Better Sugarcane Initiative’s certification process.
Expected outcomes
Evaluation of local initiatives designed to improve the working and living conditions of cane cutters.
Build the capacity of firms to develop their CSR in relation to their impact on labour, communities and the environment.
Help firms to successfully integrate and implement CSR practices into their business model.
