Private standards
The increasing demands of consumers and civil society have driven retailers to pay attention not only to the safety and quality of food, but to its origin as well. They are increasingly taking greater notice of labour practices, the environment, safety in the workplace and social responsibility. Until recently, these issues tended to be the reserve of public and international agencies or NGOs. Under pressure from consumers, though, the private sector seems to be assuming greater responsability in this area.
PIP’s objective is to adapt buyers’ demands, including private standards, to recognise the constraints placed on producers from the African, Caribbean and Pacific group of States (ACP), especially small producers, through the implementation of 4 activities:
- Understanding the exact nature and cause of the impact of private standards on ACP players.
- Engaging with retailers and standard setters to encourage them to take into account the impact of their policies in developing countries
- Collaborating with standard setters to adapt requirements to local conditions
- Strengthening the capacity of ACP stakeholders to engage and lobby for their industry
Read more about private standards
Useful links
The PIP has compiled a number of useful links to the most relevant websites addressing the issue of private standards to give users access to more detailed information.
