Socially responsible cultivation

This requirement can be followed up, for example, by carrying out spot checks, on one or more occasions, on delivered food products. This can be done by checking one of the following, for example:

Certification and associated labelling
If the requirement has been verified by means of a certification with associated labelling, follow-up is possible by checking that there is labelling on the product, the packaging, in a product database or similar. Some examples of certification with associated labelling that comply with the requirement are Rainforest Alliance, Sustainably Grown Certified, Global GAP add on GRASP or equivalent.

Certificate of compliance verified by an accredited verification body
If a certificate of compliance verified by an accredited verification body is used as evidence for compliance with the requirement, then ensure that the verification body is accredited in accordance with ISO/IEC 17029 or an equivalent standard.

Fruit and vegetables can have global supply chains and the same type of raw material may need to be followed up in different ways depending on where in the world it has been grown. All certifications and labelling are not always applicable to the whole product range and instead are focused on managing the risks in certain countries or for a certain type of agriculture. Make use of specialist expertise in your organisation when following up the summitted evidence of compliance. This could, for example, be an environmental or sustainability strategist with extensive expertise within questions related to sustainability.

This criterion covers fresh fruit and vegetables as well as products made from these. The criterion is relevant for raw materials produced in risk-countries outside of Sweden.

Fresh fruit and vegetables often lack a unique identification in the form of GTIN and the corresponding article information in the digital system. Therefore, follow-up can require significant resources, for both the purchaser and the supplier. The availability of products on the market that comply with the requirements can vary within different product groups. Evaluate the availability by conducting a market analysis.
More about how to undertake a market analysis (in Swedish)
More about GTIN and identification of fruit and vegetables (in English)

The criterion is a complement to the National Agency for Public Procurement's contact terms regarding working rights
The criterium for socially responsible cultivation can be used to achieve a certain degree of sustainability for a specific product. The criterion can be used as a complement to the National Agency for Public Procurement's contract terms for working rights in accordance ILO's fundamental conventions and sustainable supply chains and, which can be applied if a needs assessment shows that the contracting organization is required to apply working rights requirements in accordance with the Public Procurement Act (LOU) Chapter 17. §§ 2-5. If the work is conducted in countries where Swedish law is not applicable, then terms and conditions shall be in compliance with ILO's fundamental conventions. 
Criteria service (in English)
Needs assessment (in Swedish)

There are large challenges connected to working conditions and respect for human rights within food production. The problem is more widespread in countries with a poor track record of compliance with labour law legislation, but even in other countries violations of human rights can occur. Migrant workers and other vulnerable groups risk being exploited as they do not dare, or have the possibility of, demanding their working rights which can include, for example, an employment contract, a reasonable wage, and the freedom of association.

Many workers within fruit and vegetable cultivation are seasonal workers. In countries with shortfalls in legislation and compliance, many seasonal workers find themselves in a vulnerable position in relation to their employer and often have poorer working conditions than permanent workers.

By specifying requirements for basic working rights and respect for human rights, the lives of many workers, and their families, can be improved.
Read more about the risks within the fruit and vegetable sector in our risk analysis service.
Risk analysis service (in Swedish)

The version date indicates when the sustainability criterion was created or last updated. Last reviewed dated tells when we last checked that the sustainability criterion still is relevant.

2023-02-07, Requirement ID 10397:2: New version number. Changes from technical specification to special contract term, but in practice retains the same meaning. Refined to include the ILO's core conventions. Former spearhead level has now been given its own unique requirement ID 11537 for increased clarity in digital systems. Added proposal for follow-up; Sustainably Grown Certified, Global GAP add on GRASP.
2016-12-16, ID 10397:1 Changed varification text, Evidence Rainforest alliance at base level, Fairtrade at spearhead level, new subgroup fruit.