Reception, film clips, and policy initiatives

The film THE PICKERS has been praised for giving some of the two million migrant workers in European agriculture a face, sharing their stories and exposing their unacceptable living and working conditions. While we may have heard of the statistics and the issues, it is crucial we make that human connection, and this observational documentary has proven to be an ideal tool for that.

Supported by influential partner organisations across Europe, the campaign has facilitated more than 300 meetings and film events over the past seven months. Along the way, more than 1,700 individuals – representing migrant workers, non-profits, trade unions, political parties, churches, retailers, and many other concerned citizens – have personally endorsed the campaign’s core call: ‘We want a FAIR PICK’.

We shouldn’t have to ask whether our food is free of modern slavery. This is why the campaign demands 10 essential guarantees for migrant workers in European agriculture. While they are all based on human rights and existing laws, they are not yet universally applied or enforced. 

At our event for Members of the European Parliament, their staff, other EU representatives, and non-profits working in the field, we want to learn what else can be done to ensure our fruit and vegetables are exploitation free.

Short clips from the film THE PICKERS will inspire us to discuss five core themes, each presented by expert speakers:

Safeguarding corporate due diligence:

• What is left after the Omnibus I package, and what are the successes brought about by existing supply chain legislation – from court cases to frameworks for effective grievance mechanisms.
  Speakers: Margherita Romanelli, We World; Kristian Möller, Appellando

Fair prices paid to producers:

• Market regulation needs to ensure prices paid to farmers cover the cost of production (including minimum wages and social protections). 
  Speaker: Marie-Aline Cornu, European Coordination of Via Campesina

Fair labour mobility and ethical recruitment: 

• Considerations for the EU’s Fair Labour Mobility Package, and the need for a broader framework to cover migration from third countries, removing intermediaries and limiting subcontracting chains.
  Speakers: Yvan Sagnet, No Cap (via video); Ivan Ivanov, EFFAT

Stronger social conditionality in CAP:

• A broader scope and effective monitoring are required for the post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy.
  Speakers: Mihail Dumitru, European Commission; Ivan Ivanov, EFFAT
  

Strengthening migrant worker self-organisation:

• Is the European trade union system fit for the needs of migrant workers? Is there something we can learn from the achievements of the U.S.-based Fair Food Program and its concept of Worker-driven Social Responsibility?
  Speaker: Gerardo Reyes, Fair Food Program (online)
  

Details of speakers to be announced soon. MEPs in attendance are encouraged to ask questions to the experts, briefly state their commitment to the cause, or make concrete suggestions for next steps.

This English-language event is hosted by Gabriele Bischoff MEP (EMPL Committee) and Maria Noichl MEP (AGRI Committee).

The event will be moderated by Silvia Lazzaris, journalist and co-author of Feeding Europe, Failing Workers.

Snacks and drinks will be provided. Please RSVP using the form above by 31 October or by emailing [email protected]

THE PICKERS campaign is organised by a cross-European team at Film & Campaign Ltd. (EU Transparency Register REG 716110599751-03), supported by Seedling Foundation and The StoryBoard Collective, and delivered in partnership with appellando, Agroecology Works!, le Comité contre l’esclavage moderne, Crowd Container, Fair Food Program, Fairtrade Italia, FIAN International, FIFDH, Gebana, Good Food Good Farming, Initiative Lieferkettengesetz, NO CAP, Oxfam Deutschland, Oxfam Intermón, SOS Rosarno, Swiss Fair Trade, and We World.

Posted by Ben Kempas on ,