The fight against hunger, malnutrition, and poverty needs Fair Work.
Every meal we enjoy depends on millions of people: farm workers, food processors, and hospitality staff, too many of whom are overworked, subcontracted, and unheard. Promoting action for those who suffer from hunger and to ensure healthy diets for all means protecting the people who feed us.
Abusive subcontracting and unregulated labour intermediaries are still far too common in agriculture and the food sector, leaving the most vulnerable workers exposed to unsafe conditions, unfair pay, and unequal treatment.
EFFAT has put forward its Model Directive on Labour Intermediaries and Fair Working Conditions across Subcontracting Chains . The message is simple: if it’s the same job in the same workplace, it must come with the same rights, protections, and pay, no matter where it sits in the subcontracting chain.
For too long, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has failed to integrate farm workers into its vision or raise labour standards in the sector. With Social Conditionality finally introduced in the last CAP reform, the next one is an opportunity we hold tight to defend, safeguard, and strengthen this achievement, ensuring that public funds and taxpayers’ money fuel fair jobs, safe workplaces, and dignity for all agricultural workers.
For those working in agriculture and food processing, the decision to put profits before people continue to have disastrous consequences on the planet, working people and future generations. Sustainability isn’t just about the environment; it’s about protecting the people who feed us.
Europe’s food system can, and must, deliver fairness from field to fork. That’s why our fight against short-termism and speculation is so crucial. Food is a human right and the foundation of our collective future.
On World Food Day 2025, EFFAT reiterates its priorities and calls for a food system that is stronger, fairer, and truly sustainable.
