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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2013 9:33:26 GMT -8
Cashew nut workers suffer 'appalling' conditions as global slump dents profits
Many workers earn just 50 US cents a day and risk permanent injury, say NGOs, as they call for EU crackdown on unfair trading practices. Cashew factory workers in Agartala, north-east India. During the deshelling process the nuts produce a caustic liquid that burns the skin. Photograph: AFP/Getty
NGOs are calling on the EU to endorse regulation rather than voluntary guidance to improve the conditions of workers such as cashew nut farmers and processors at the foot of international supply chains. Next week, the European commissioner for internal markets and services, Michel Barnier, will make an announcement on unfair trading practices for discussion by the parliament. Liz May, head of policy at Traidcraft, which helps fight poverty through trade, said: "Farmers and workers across the world are suffering every day because of unfair trading practices by supermarkets. It's time the EU took action and set up a regulator with the power to stop abuses by retailers that result in extremely low pay and appalling working conditions." Cashews are America and Europe's favourite nut. But the poor farmers who grow the premium product often bear the greatest risk in the trade. More than 60% of the cashews consumed globally are processed in India. The industry is critical to the country, particularly to the south. The nut is among the country's top four agricultural exports, along with basmati rice, spices and tea. Last year exports were about £500m. Most of the processing takes place in Goa, Bangalore, Kerala, Kanyakumari, the cape at the extreme tip of India, Panruti, near the old French colony Pondicherry, then Chennai and Rajahmundry, further north in Andhra Pradesh state. In each of these regions approximately 50,000 to 100,000 people work in the industry, making cashews vitally important to local economies. Source
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