Gap analysis to support due diligence in the avocado and pineapple sectors

The guide

The gap analysis guide helps companies compare standards and policies they use with the OECD-FAO Guidance for Responsible Agricultural Supply Chains, the global benchmark for due diligence and responsible business conduct in the agricultural sector.

Due diligence is performed by companies to help them avoid activities along their value chains that have negative impacts on the environment and on people’s livelihoods and well-being. It can improve companies’ business performance, increase sustainability, and strengthen resilience to external shocks. In many countries, newly passed or proposed laws require companies to carry out risk-based due diligence to identify, assess, mitigate, prevent, and account for how they address actual and potential adverse impacts of their activities and those of their suppliers and business partners.

The tool

Voluntary sustainability standards are often used by tropical fruit companies seeking to manage risks and to comply with the requirements of international markets. However, their usefulness in supporting due diligence also depends in part on how aligned they are with international expectations and regulations. To help companies to make an initial analysis of this alignment, the Responsible Fruits Project has developed a gap analysis guide that consists of a written manual and a customized Excel based tool.

The gap analysis tool is free, easy, and quick to use. Once downloaded, it works completely offline and does not require an internet connection. The results are available only to the company using the tool, which ensures total confidentiality. By completing the gap analysis, the company will obtain:

·      an overview of the strengths and weaknesses of its internal policies and standards applied;

·      guidance on prioritizing areas for improvement; and

·      practical ideas on how it can carry out due diligence.