Humane Practices
COMMITMENTS
In 2009, the company launched its Corporate Responsibility Commitments, thus documenting its standards of conduct and objectives related to ethics, the environment, people and communities. This is an important tool for communicating with all employees and setting goals and actions, while also meeting the requirements of customers and partners in formalizing the company’s position concerning each topic.
In 2009, Cargill initiated application of the Corporate Responsibility Measurement Tool, to assess adherence of each unit to the commitments. The plant in Porto Ferreira implemented the pilot system, which should be extended to other units in 2010.
The commitments assumed by Cargill are as follows:
1. Commitment to business conduct
Meeting the highest standards of business conduct has been important to Cargill since its foundation in 1865. The company is guided by its Ethical Principles, which are part of corporate culture and the reference for desired employee behavior anywhere in the world:
1. Cargill will comply with the laws of all countries to which it is subject.
2. Cargill will not knowingly assist any third party to violate any law of any country, whether by creating false documents or any other means.
3. Cargill will not pay or receive bribes or participate in any other unethical, fraudulent or corrupt practice.
4. Cargill will always honor all its business obligations with absolute integrity.
5. Cargill will keep its business records in a manner that accurately reflects the true nature of its commercial transactions.
6. Cargill managers and supervisors will be responsible for employees, consultants and contract workers under their supervision being familiar with applicable laws and company policies and complying with them. Further, they will be responsible for preventing, detecting and reporting any violations of law or Cargill policies.
7. Cargill employees will not become involved in situations that create a conflict of interest between companies and employees.
It is expected that all employees have discretion consistent with these values and expectations and are responsible for acting in accordance with them.
Cargill is committed to being the industry leader in the area of food safety, using only production, storage and transportation units that comply with its commitment to this aspect. Cargill works with customers to develop innovative solutions on a scientific basis to promote safety in food, feed, and products.
2. Commitment to humane workplace practices
Cargill is committed to treating people with dignity and respect. The contracting, development, engagement and retention of the right people are essential to the company’s ability to strengthen customer relationships and deliver on its promises to the communities it serves.
Cargill is committed to respecting and protecting the rights of its employees, to eliminating discrimination in the workplace and promoting equal opportunity. Furthermore, the company respects freedom of association and the right to enter into collective agreements.
Cargill neither accepts nor supports the use of illegal, abusive, forced or child labor in its operations anywhere in the world. Cargill complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations governing labor and employment of minors.
Cargill appreciates the wide range of talents and perspectives of its diverse workforce, offering its employees a safe, healthy and respectful workplace where resources are invested to help them develop to their full potential. Cargill pays competitive wages on time and offers special benefits.
3. Commitment to environmental standards
Cargill believes in protecting and conserving the environment. The company is developing ways to reduce environmental impact in all of its activities around the world and help conserve natural resources.
Cargill has developed policies and management systems to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, prevent pollution and continually improve its performance, always considering criteria relevant to business and operations. Cargill’s targets go beyond simple compliance with standards on issues of energy efficiency, reduction of carbon emissions and water resource management.
Besides efforts within the context of its business, Cargill also works in partnership with government and non-government entities, communities, employees and customers to encourage market-based solutions in order to reduce environmental impacts from the production chain to which the company belongs. Cargill works with all its stakeholders around the world to develop and implement sustainable practices in agriculture and food production.
4. Commitment to community involvement
Cargill works with a diverse group of local, national and international organizations to promote responsible economic development and bring improvements to communities where its employees live and work.
Cargill’s businesses and employees contribute with time, talent and financial resources, promoting appropriate civic conduct and dialog between different groups. The company is committed to contributing 2% of its gross consolidated global profit, based on cumulative three-year figures, to programs aimed at improving nutrition, health, education and environmental protection.
Cargill recognizes that its continued success depends on the growth and health of its communities and its partners. The company is committed to investing in and respecting the cultures of the communities where its employees live and work, to promoting sustainable and responsible development, creating growth that improves quality of life, and promoting stable and thriving communities.
