Fair Labor Code and Compliance Benchmarks for Agriculture

FLA’s Fair Labor Code defines labor standards that aim to achieve decent and humane working conditions in the supply chain of member companies.

The code is based on International Labour Organization standards and internationally accepted good labor practices. FLA member companies are expected to comply with all relevant and applicable laws and regulations of the country in which workers are employed, and to implement the code in their applicable facilities. When differences or conflicts in standards arise, members are expected to apply the highest standard and the one most favorable to workers.

The FLA Fair Labor Code is accompanied by a set of compliance benchmarks specific to the agriculture sector. These benchmarks recognize the special circumstances of agriculture work, from farms with informal labor structures to farms that have formal employment relationships and provide guidance to companies on how to implement the COC requirements through their agricultural supply chains.

The Agriculture Compliance Benchmarks were developed based on FLA’s experience in the agriculture sector and through consultation with stakeholders.

Regarding the applicability of the benchmarks, a distinction has been made between two types of farming operations: farms with informal labor structures and farms with formal labor structures

During Independent External Monitoring conducted at farming operations, FLA monitors compliance with the agriculture benchmarks and produces a public report that highlights gaps to meet the standards.

FLA expects members to make improvements when standards are not met, and to develop sustainable mechanisms to ensure ongoing compliance.

It is the ultimate responsibility of the member company to ensure maintenance of standards in the supply chain, including supplier farms. Companies can do so by collaborating with other upstream suppliers and implementing partners and facilitating the process for smallholder farmers.