Macfrut Rimini and Stakeholder Engagement

Over the past weeks, appellando has continued to take shape in Italy through engagement with partners on the fields and across the fresh produce sector on the one hand, and practical roll-out steps on the other.

appellando participated in Macfrut in Rimini, using the opportunity to meet direct suppliers, producers, temporary labour agencies, producer associations and other stakeholders. During the fair we updated stakeholders on the current progress in Italy, listened to questions and concerns, and deepened dialogue on practical approaches to effective grievance mechanism implementation in agricultural supply chains. The feedback by supply chain actors on the roll-out of appellando in Italy during the fair, during the launch event in Rome and in bilateral meetings has been very constructive. We welcome your suggestions and are open for further dialogue on how to efficiently implement appellando in Italy.

Still on the topic of stakeholder engagement, just after easter we were invited to join a visit to producers and workers in Apulia (Foggia and Bari surroundings) by NoCap, an organisation working to counter caporalato (illegal labour intermediation) and improve the protection for migrant agricultural workers. The visit to partnering producer companies and worker accommodation provided important insights into persistent vulnerabilities and challenges, especially affecting migrant workers in informal settlements (like Borgo Mezzanone), and reinforced the need for accessible and trusted channels that help rightsholders raise concerns safely.

In parallel, the retailers’ communication campaign to supply chain actors has begun, inviting them to participate in appellando and sharing information on the Italy roll-out. To accompany this, we are hosting regular general webinars as well as specific information sessions for direct suppliers to support the understanding of appellando and the concrete next steps required, such as the onboarding to the appellando database.

If you would like to get more information on the Italy roll-out, please connect with the Italy coordinator Alice Homuth.