Food Covenant starts Local Expert Network

The International Covenant on CSR in the Food Sector is starting its own Local Expert Network. Professionals around the world will be trained to become local human rights risk assessment experts for the agro-food sector. By bringing experts together in a network, companies can easily use local knowledge and gain more insight into their international chains. This way, companies can implement Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD), or due diligence with regard to workers' rights in their production chains.

Database

The programme will train 80 to 90 risk assessment experts from countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America from which Dutch companies import a lot. The data they collect on the most common risks will be included in a database. This database will be accessible to all parties that have signed the covenant.

Local knowledge

By training the risk assessment experts, the covenant offers local organisations the opportunity to become more familiar with the OECD Guidelines for Responsible Business. It is of great value when people in production countries get acquainted with HRDD. They have knowledge of the local culture and the ability to involve stakeholders in a meaningful way. In addition, they are in a good position to identify risks and contribute to the development of plans to prevent or reduce abuses in the future.

Training

The training of the local experts is provided by civil society organisations that are members of the International Food Covenant. From June onwards, the training courses will start at various locations in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.

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