Elizabeth Shaw and Ethical Issues
As a long standing member of the chocolate industry, Elizabeth Shaw takes its responsibility to act in an ethical and responsible manner seriously.
Elizabeth Shaw is a member of the BCCCA, (the Biscuit, Cake, Chocolate and Confectionery Association) a trade association representing UK biscuit, chocolate and confectionery manufacturers. All members of the association, including Elizabeth Shaw, have a long and proud heritage of behaving responsibly on social issues that affect us all.
As an industry we have over many years been seeking ways in which we can help to improve the conditions of those who work in the lengthy supply chain involved in producing chocolate.
Please see below the latest BCCCA statement regarding Cocoa Farm Labour Working Standards.
Cocoa Farm Labour Working Standards BCCCA statement 29th March 2007
We all want to ensure that the cocoa we buy is grown using internationally approved labour standards – notably without the worst forms of child or forced labour. This issue is so important that all the major chocolate companies have come together to ensure that the right systems and programmes are in place.
In West Africa cocoa is grown by 2 million family farmers and is a smallholder crop. Chocolate companies do not own the farms which supply the industry's cocoa. As a result, it has been important for us to gain the support of governments in West Africa – they have a crucial role in setting labour standards in their own countries, in ensuring that the right laws, including those to prevent trafficking, are in place and that they are properly enforced.
BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS
Since 2003, the industry has also been working in partnership with non–government organisations through the International Cocoa Initiative (ICI). The ICI was established to work at two levels: to help governments improve international working standards and to help local communities to develop Community Action Plans to improve living standards and working practices for cocoa farmers and their families. The ICI website at www.cocoainitiative.org gives further details.
INVESTING IN FARMING KNOWLEDGE
We have invested in programmes which help develop farming knowledge – this includes Farmer Field Schools (www.treecrops.org) At these ‘schools without walls’ farmers learn out to grow their cocoa more productively. The schools also look at health areas such as HIV/ AIDS and educate farmers on safe labour practices. These schools run in Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon and Nigeria.
Our industry has a long–term commitment to cocoa growing communities and we are keen to help raise standards for all those dependent on cocoa for their futures.
If you wish to find out more information regarding the BCCCA please visit their website www.bccca.org.uk