Croatia Hosts Conference on Responsible Business Conduct and Sustainable Agriculture Supply Chains

A conference on Responsible Business Conduct and Responsible Supply Chains in Agriculture was held today in Zagreb, organized by the Ministry of Economy, as a member of the National Contact Point for Responsible Business Conduct, in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The conference brought together representatives from companies, civil society, academic and expert community, to whom the OECD-FAO Guidance for Responsible Agricultural Supply Chains and the OECD-FAO Business Handbook on Deforestation and Due Diligence in Agricultural Supply Chains were presented, as well as how they can help align with relevant EU legislation.

State Secretary Goran Romek of the Ministry of Economy emphasized the importance of sustainable and responsible business practices in the agricultural sector and the need to adapt to modern challenges such as climate change and global market pressures.

State Secretary Mladen Pavić of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries highlighted the importance of Croatia’s active participation in the process of accession to the OECD, noting that the OECD guidelines are of great importance for the development of various areas of agriculture and will serve all in the agri-food system, primarily in more successful business operations of farmers and raising the standards of responsible business conduct.

Tomislava Ivančić, a leading advisor from the FAO Department of Economic and Social Development, stressed that sustainability is becoming a key condition for business and trade at the European and global level and that the OECD-FAO Guidance and the OECD-FAO Handbook provide companies in the agri-food sector with a clear framework for improving their responsible sourcing practices, helping them align with key EU regulations and directives.

The work of the Croatian National Contact Point for Responsible Business Conduct was also presented to the attendees.

The second part of the program featured constructive discussions divided into two panels, covering global standards, import regulations, responsible business conduct in agricultural supply chains, as well as challenges and opportunities in preserving natural resources through responsible business.

The goal of this event was to further encourage the development of sustainable supply chains that respect the environment, society and the economy, and to raise awareness of the benefits of such an approach for all of us.