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Markets and Trade

Responsible global value chains for agricultural products
Globalization has revolutionized the ways agro-enterprises engage in business. Food production has become easier, quicker and more accessible as a result of interconnected global value chains and a sharp increase in demand for food. To meet the needs of a growing world population, increased food production will inevitably have consequences for societies, including labour, food security and human rights. The production of more food will also generate environmental concerns related to the availability of land and water. Businesses, governments and civil society have a critical role to play in addressing impacts and ensuring that responsible business conduct (RBC) supports inclusive sustainable development.
FAO promotes responsible business conduct among governments, business, civil society and stakeholders by:       

 

encouraging enterprises to apply the OECD-FAO Guidance for Responsible Agricultural Supply Chains to their business sourcing operations to reduce adverse social and environmental impacts on supply chains, while addressing poverty and supporting inclusive growth; 

 

enabling development by communicating about the range of potential business and developmental impacts on agricultural supply chains, including labour and human rights, land tenure risks and deforestation, while explaining how the impacts are linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);

 

fostering multistakeholder cooperation among companies, governments, civil society and others to transform risks into opportunities for dialogue and development that support vulnerable groups, such as women and youth;

 

sharing experiences through peer learning and exchanging knowledge and best practices across regions, countries and agricultural industries (e.g. tropical fruits).

Publications
Responsible Business Conduct Quarterly. Bulletin No. 6, July–September 2023
22/09/2023

FAO’s Responsible Business Conduct Quarterly Bulletin (RBC-Q) shares events and resources on FAO’s activities on Responsible Global Value Chains and news from around the world related to business, risk and development in the agricultural sector. It is prepared by FAO’s Markets and Trade Division (EST). This issue of the bulletin covers the period July–September 2023.

OECD-FAO Business Handbook on Deforestation and Due Diligence in Agricultural Supply Chains
06/07/2023

This handbook was developed by OECD and FAO to help companies embed considerations on deforestation and forest degradation into their corporate due diligence procedures. It is informed by FAO’s extensive work and experience on halting deforestation and forest degradation and promoting responsible governance of tenure.

OECD-FAO Business Handbook on Deforestation and Due Diligence in Agricultural Supply Chains - Brochure
06/07/2023

The OECD-FAO Business Handbook on Deforestation and Due Diligence in Agricultural Supply Chains aims to help companies incorporate deforestation and forest degradation considerations in their supply chain due diligence and responsible sourcing efforts and adopt a holistic approach to deforestation risk and forest-positive outcomes.

Projects
Videos
OECD-FAO Guidance for Responsible Agricultural Supply Chains (Video No. 2)
31/05/2021

Food is more global than ever before. Reduced trade barriers, advances in production, logistics, and a rising demand for food have powered trade and global supply chains. These processes have unlocked millions of jobs, supporting social and economic development around the world.