The European Commission Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) hosted an expert workshop to support forthcoming EU legislation on mandatory due diligence and supply chain sustainability.

Some 40 participants from the ITC, EU, FAO and partner organizations joined DG INTPA Director-General Koen Doens and ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton in this call to action. Participants brainstormed on tools to facilitate implementation of the upcoming EU legislation and ensure that it benefits producers on the ground.

A representative of the FAO Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division clarified that it is essential to look beyond the legal framework and create an enabling environment and incentives for farmers and small-scale producers focusing on their living wages, access to finance, vocational trainings and capacity-building. He explained that involving local communities in the process and strengthening efforts to fight child labour and deforestation across supply chains are essential. In addition, the policy setting should encourage good conduct by enterprises, along with clear guidance and support that can be provided through practical tools. The FAO-OECD Guidance for responsible agricultural supply chains and FAO Principals for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food systems are key practical tools for policymakers to support enterprises in mitigating their adverse impacts and contributing to sustainable development.

In recent decades, the growth of international supply chains has brought significant benefits to developing countries. However, it has also had certain negative impacts, including human rights violations and environmental damage. The EU's new due diligence requires companies to identify, address and remedy their impact on human rights and the environment throughout their value chains.

You can learn more about the new EU due diligence legislation in this report.