Take Action: Tell Cargill and ADM to Stop Supporting Slavery

NEW YORK, NY//April 4, 2008/// Section 3105, known as the Voluntary Certification of Child Labor Status of Agricultural Imports, requires the Secretary of Agriculture, in coordination with the Secretary of Labor, to develop a standard set of practices for Ag commodities that are imported, sold, or marketed in the U.S., to reduce the likelihood that they are made with forced or child labor.  The House passed a version of the Act minus Harkin’s proposal.  If the House and Senate can reach agreement to include Section 3105, a voluntary certification program will be established to enforce the standards.

Big agribusiness, including such companies as Cargill and Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), are already moving against this important provision.  The International Labor Rights Forum has launched a web campaign aimed at both companies. The text of their consumer sign-on letter reads:

Why are your company's lobbyists defending slave labor?

It has come to my attention that your company is working to oppose a provision in the Farm Bill, Section 3104, which would provide companies like yours with a voluntary way to demonstrate to consumers that your products are harvested without the worst forms of child labor or forced labor.

This is a business-friendly provision which is meant to assist importers in showing consumers like me that your products are not made at the expense of international labor rights standards.

A company which obeys international and U.S. laws against using forced and child labor would have nothing to fear.

I would appreciate clarification on your position on this section of the Farm Bill.

Go here to visit the International Labor Rights Forum and take action.