COMPLIANCE WITH CODES OF PRACTICE

There are many ways that companies demonstrate responsible action but, of greatest consequence to small producers, is company compliance with standards or codes of practice (the terms are interchangeable). A major reason for this is that it is not enough for a company to be responsible, it must be seen to be responsible.

Therefore, companies endeavour to put in place auditable systems that demonstrate to their managers, shareholders and customers what they are doing to address social and environmental issues. Standards or codes of practice are one of the most common instruments used to manage the supply chain. There are many codes of practice, covering different aspects or geographical areas of the supply chain.

The common feature of these codes is that they are auditable, though how the auditing is conducted and by whom varies. There is no template for implementing a code of practice, but there is a growing consensus about what constitutes good practice and the key features required. Implementing a Code of Practice with smallholders may present particular challenges.

Note The information presented on this CD-ROM is not another code of practice. It contains the distilled essentials known to make the relationship between smallholders and exporters (or facilitating intermediaries) function effectively. The information draws on the lessons learnt and good practices developed by the export horticulture industry through working with smallholders.