The EU sugar industry is committed to creating added human and social value by incorporating corporate social responsibility (CSR) into all its activities. Established in 1969, just after the creation of the Sugar CMO, social dialogue in the European sugar industry has brought together employers, represented by CEFS, and employees, represented by EFFAT, for almost 50 years.
Official recognition of these social partners by the European Commission was formalised in 1999 with the creation of the social dialogue committee for the sugar industry. In 2003, CEFS and EFFAT voluntarily became engaged in CSR and agreed on a Code of Conduct that sets eight compulsory minimum social standards and basic rights. CSR reflects the commitment of the social partners to progressively develop the overall sustainability of the sugar industry. Some fifty examples of best practices are regularly updated and serve as an inspiration for sugar companies.
Every other year, a report is presented to the European Commission concerning the implementation of the Code of Conduct and examples of new and developing good practices. These reports can be consulted at the joint CEFS-EFFAT website www. sugardialogue.eu.
First produced in 2004, this brochure is an important tool for dissemination of the principles of CSR and for visibility of the added value to the sectoral social dialogue. This update is particularly relevant as the EU sector enters a new era following the end of production quotas on 30 September 2017.
