The Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) is a shareholder coalition comprised of over 300 institutional investors including faith-based communities, socially responsible investment companies, pension funds, unions and colleges and universities, with total assets valued at over $100 billion that engage the world’s largest corporations as shareholders on issues of justice and sustainability. Members of ICCR, many with global ministries in food-insecure communities including Tanzania and Zimbabwe, have long advocated for an equitable, accessible and sustainable food system that nourishes both people and planet.
In 2012, members developed a Statement of Principles and Recommended Practices for Sustainable and Equitable Food Production. These principles are an articulation of our positions and recommended best practices regarding the corporate responsibility to promote access to safe and sustainable food, and serve as the basis for member engagements with the nation’s top food and beverage manufacturers and retailers. We welcome affirmation of these principles and practices by all stakeholders.
Principles and Recommended Practices
I. SUSTAINABILITY
Respect the universal right to healthy, nutritious and safe food with food production that is environmentally and socially sustainable and that will safeguard our planet’s resources for future generations.
II. FOOD SAFETY
Protect consumers’ right to safe food.
III. LABOR
Respect and protect workers’ rights throughout the food supply chain.
IV. ACCESS TO NUTRITION AND OBESITY
Develop access to nutrition strategies that will address both global hunger (often referred to as under-nutrition) and the growing obesity epidemic, particularly childhood obesity.
V. RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENT
Avoid investments that will lead to food price volatility or food insecurity including over-speculation in food commodities markets and land speculation in developing countries. Support impact investing in food-producing solutions that help mitigate the risk of famine and build sustainable food systems.
