A group of academics who are deeply concerned about the situation for food workers everywhere have written an open letter for anyone to sign. It calls upon key individuals (at the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, International Labour Organisation and to the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food) to address the issue of work in food systems, the current conditions and future trajectory of food work.
Workers have been acknowledged as part of the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables (IYFV) 2021. However, the contributions and needs of workers require much sharper attention [1]. Growing fruits and vegetables is the most labour intensive form of food production, and this sector presents particularly acute issues. The urgent need to address the unacceptable living and working conditions suffered by many food workers demands immediate action from national governments, the private sector, and international agencies alike..
The signatories call for UN agencies to recognise the need to improve employment conditions and ensure that development of future food systems protects workers' interests.
You can read and sign the full letter here.
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