Italy: the South-Central IO adopts a code of ethics

The ANICAV recently expressed its great satisfaction after the adoption by the IO Pomodoro da Industria Bacino Centro Sud Italia, during its General Assembly at the end of January, of a code of ethics aimed at the social and environmental sustainability of the tomato processing sector.

 Although the real extent of the problem of illegally hired workers (the “caporalato”) is much more limited than public opinion perceives it to be, the tomato processing industry is now implementing a series of concrete actions aiming in particular at generalizing a new corporate culture based on social responsibility at all levels of the industry.

"Ethical and environmental sustainability, inseparable from economic sustainability," said ANICAV president Antonio Ferraioli, "has always been a priority for the tomato processing industry and that is why the ANICAV strongly supported the IO in the process which led to the definition of this code of ethics, an important tool for enhancing our reputation and developing the sector."

"We are convinced that consumer interest cannot and should not be based exclusively on lower prices," said Giovanni De Angelis, director general of ANICAV. "It is important to respect ethics in the context of work, in commercial relations and with regard to the environment, while firmly maintaining the quality of production. We must focus on informing and training consumers and raising their awareness, as people who are ready to pay a higher price to ensure their social well-being and that of future generations, and who recognize the efforts made by the sector in terms of ethical and environmental sustainability."

Source: Anicav, agricultura.it