“I applaud the adoption of the code of ethics. Step forward in protecting workers and corporate reputation "
“The adoption of the Code of Ethics on which you are called to decide today can be a pillar of the safeguard strategy for the whole sector. As it has been elaborated and for its contents, it represents a step forward in the protection of workers, in the protection of the reputation of companies and of all Italian-made tomatoes. That you are discussing this important step in the ministry, testifies to our closeness and our interest in better supporting your action ".
So Minister Teresa Bellanova speaking in the afternoon at the Assembly of the Interprofessional Body Tomato for industry Central-Southern Italy Basin, called to adopt the “Code of Ethics for the social and environmental sustainability of the industry tomato chain of Central and Southern Italy Basin ”And held in the Sala Cavour del Mipaaf.
"I have said it on other occasions and I repeat it here: the tomato supply chain is not a dirty supply chain," the Minister said. “For me there are no dirty supply chains but companies that commit crimes and as such should be punished. We must not go back on this and it is a job we must do together. We are against the presumptions of guilt but we know how the faults of a few fall on everyone in terms of the sector's loss of credibility. Especially if some country on the other side of the world makes unacceptable generalizations. "
"The code," concluded Bellanova, "addresses economic, social and environmental sustainability. It is the right way. Only if there are these three aspects is there a true and full sustainability. Origin, traceability, respect for workers' rights, contrast to double-dip auctions, enhancement of good cultivation and work practices: these are all points of the document that are intertwined with what the Government is putting in place for the sector. We are engaged in the fight against corporals, as well as in the fight against unfair market practices. We will work together with the inter-professional organizations to make your work known and valued. And for this an institutional communication campaign at national and international level is necessary. Together we will identify its objectives and messages ".