Human & Cultural Responsibility

SPLEATS Inclusion & Ethical Conduct Framework

SPLEATS recognizes that food is not only an agricultural or commercial system. It is a cultural system. It reflects histories, identities, labor, and communities.

Raising the standard of food requires respect not only for ingredients and production methods, but for people.

This framework outlines the principles we apply when engaging with producers, partners, employees, and the broader food ecosystem.

1. Respect for Cultural Origin

Food traditions are expressions of culture. SPLEATS supports the preservation of culinary heritage without appropriation or misrepresentation.

We work with producers who respect the cultural origin of their products and communicate transparently about sourcing, technique, and identity.

We reject practices that exploit cultural narratives for marketing without authentic connection or acknowledgment.

This position aligns with UNESCO’s recognition of intangible cultural heritage as a protected cultural asset.¹

2. Commitment to Inclusion and Equal Opportunity

SPLEATS supports equal opportunity and non-discrimination in accordance with international human rights principles.

We expect partners and producers to comply with recognized labor standards, including:

– Non-discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, or disability
– Equal pay principles where applicable
– Safe and dignified working conditions

These expectations align with the International Labour Organization (ILO) core labor standards.²

3. Fair Labor and Transparency

Food supply chains can obscure labor conditions. SPLEATS encourages transparency in sourcing and supply relationships.

We prioritize producers who:

– Comply with national labor laws
– Avoid exploitative labor practices
– Maintain safe working environments
– Provide traceability within their supply chains

Where applicable, we recognize alignment with frameworks such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.³

4. Gender Equity and Representation

Agriculture and food systems globally rely heavily on women’s labor, often under-recognized and under-compensated.⁴

SPLEATS encourages inclusive leadership structures and equitable participation within producer organizations.

We do not impose quotas. We promote opportunity and visibility.

5. Respect in Commercial Conduct

SPLEATS commits to conducting business relationships with honesty, transparency, and mutual respect.

We reject exploitative pricing models that undermine producer viability. We avoid cultural tokenism. We do not misrepresent origin or quality for commercial gain.

Trust is foundational to long-term partnership.

6. A Position on Diversity

Diversity in food systems strengthens resilience, creativity, and cultural continuity.⁵

We believe inclusion is not a branding strategy. It is an operational principle.

SPLEATS supports:

Cultural diversity in food representation.
Inclusive professional environments.
Respectful engagement across geographies and communities.

Our objective is not performative alignment. It is structural fairness and long-term partnership integrity.

Position Statement

Food connects people across cultures. It carries memory, labor, and identity.

SPLEATS promotes a food system rooted in dignity, transparency, and mutual respect. We acknowledge global inequalities within agricultural systems and commit to engaging responsibly, ethically, and inclusively within our sphere of influence.

Raising the standard of food includes raising the standard of how we treat one another.

References

  1. UNESCO. Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, 2003.

  2. International Labour Organization. ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, 1998 (amended 2022).

  3. United Nations. Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, 2011.

  4. FAO. The State of Food and Agriculture 2011: Women in Agriculture – Closing the Gender Gap for Development.

  5. IPBES. Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, 2019.