WASHINGTON, DC - Last month, we sat down with the Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) and Walmart to discuss the evolution of the Ethical Charter Implementation Program (ECIP). In a second insightful interview, I rejoined the two organizations to further discuss the program’s retail engagement.

“Participating in the ECIP is a direct way for suppliers to demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility,” LeAnne Ruzzamenti, Director of Marketing and Communications for EFI, told me. “There has been greater public interest in ethical and sustainable practices that has led to many businesses being heavily scrutinized by customers. Research has shown that businesses that proactively demonstrate their prioritization of ethical labor practices build greater trust from socially conscious consumers.”

The ECIP launched last November, and since then, Costco, Kroger, McDonald’s, Sam’s Club, Target, and Walmart have invited over 160 produce suppliers to register on the platform. They have asked this first cohort to engage by purchasing an annual subscription, then working with growers to access the system.

Participating buyers are receiving updates on which suppliers have engaged and whose growers are beginning to use the system. Buyers are educating their full supplier base on the importance of implementing socially responsible labor practices all the way to the field level.

“Walmart helped develop the Ethical Charter on Responsible Labor Practices,” said Wynn Peterson, Senior Buying Manager, Produce at Walmart. “We have endorsed it and encouraged suppliers to do the same. We aim to source 100 percent of Walmart U.S. fresh produce and floral products from suppliers who have endorsed this industry framework.”

The collaborative nature of the ECIP shows the industry’s commitment to the Ethical Charter and to continuous improvement of labor practices. The ECIP Advisory Group has made it clear that the principles of the Charter provide ample and clear guidelines that businesses can model their practices on.

“The ECIP is the first measurable step retailers have to support adherence to the Charter at the field level, since their audit requirements do not currently extend beyond the packing or processing facility,” LeAnne continued. “The ECIP relies on self-assessment rather than audits and provides growers with the opportunity to validate the work being done.”

Each principle has been broken down into a series of management systems, with guidance and resources on how to implement them. The Charter emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement of labor management systems “that sustain and demonstrate compliance with applicable labor, employment, occupational health and safety laws governing the employer.” The ECIP provides the tools to support this process.

“A grower’s self-assessment is never shown to their supplier or retail customer. This is essential: Growers must be free to assess their systems honestly, even in areas where they are struggling, without worrying how their responses will impact commercial relationships. ECIP is a capacity-building resource, not a compliance test!” LeAnne emphasized.

Growers are encouraged to honestly assess their existing management systems; suppliers support their growers’ continuous improvement and assume accountability as the link between growers and retailers; and retailers motivate and recognize their suppliers’ efforts, helping to move the entire supply chain toward more responsible labor practices.

“Engagement with the ECIP from all parts of the supply chain shows the produce industry’s ongoing commitment to social responsibility. Collaboration across the chain will ensure everyone’s voice is heard and honored in a collective effort to guarantee a safe, healthy, and respected agricultural workforce for years to come,” LeAnne added.

While retailers are now inviting the first cohort of suppliers, the ECIP will eventually scale to reach all fresh produce and floral suppliers. If a grower or supplier has not yet been invited by a customer, they can still begin using the program.

We applaud all of the growers, suppliers, and buyers who are moving us toward a more ethical future for the industry. Keep reading ANUK for more insights like these.