AGRICULTURAL JUSTICE PROJECT
Over the last decade, FOG has collaborated in the development of AJP, a unique
partnership with Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA, Comite de Apoyo
a los Trabajadores Agricolas/Farmworker Support Committee, an organic farmer
who now works with the Northeast Organic Farming Association, Fundacion RENACE.
All of these organizations are leaders in the fields of sustainable agriculture
policy, workers’ rights, community-based food systems and organic certification.
AJP’s goal is to build a model of an alternative food system by creating an
economic incentive for social equity and just working conditions through the
establishment of a “social justice” food label. The vision of this alternative
food system is one of vibrant small family farms that provide well-being for
the farm family and dignified work for wage laborers. The standards for such
a label are based on the complementary principles of economic equity for the
farmer and just working conditions for the farmworker, resulting in a win/win/win
scenario in which farm workers and farmers – and ultimately, consumers – all
benefit.
This grassroots initiative stems from the need to develop standards
for the fair and just treatment of the people – farmers, farm workers, and buyers
– who make organic a real alternative to conventional agribusiness. The AJP aims to set a high bar through social justice labeling
that is part of a larger effort to help avoid green washing and exploitation
of indigenous people and farm workers. The standards developed by AJP in the
U.S. can be adapted for use anywhere in the world. The current version of the
AJP standards, Social Stewardship Standards for Organic and Sustainable Agriculture,
remains a living document that will be revised and expanded based on the outcomes
of the pilot projects and continued stakeholder input.
For more information about the Agricultural Justice Project, please visit the Web site.