Code of Conduct
Hazelnut module
Version 0.7
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0
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1
Introduction
The Hazelnut Module is used along with the Core Code by all hazelnut producers and groups (with or
without their own factory) who wish to obtain Code of Conduct certification.
The Module contains requirements applicable to hazelnut production and processing activities, up
until production of in shell hazelnuts.
A
HN. A.1
HN. A.2
B
HN. B.1
HN. B.2
HN. B.3
MANAGEMENT
Resources identification and risk
assessments
Orchard site is at a safe distance from
sources of pollution (industrial and
livestock) as to prevent contact with
contaminated soils, water or air.
A procedure is in place for submitting
and addressing complaints. This
procedure is accessible for workers.
FARMING PRACTICES
Farm maintenance
Except on slopes of more than 20%, the
ground is cleaned from weeds at the
latest three to ten days before the
harvest.
The hazelnut shrub is pruned annually in
the period of October, November,
December time to obtain optimal tree
structure and health. Dried, dense,
unproductive and unnecessary shoots,
branches and suckers are removed.
To optimize pollination and normalize
YEAR 4
YEAR 3
YEAR 2
YEAR 1
CONTROL POINT
Level of inspection
The column “Applicable to” indicates whether the control point applies to the group and/or the
group member for groups certified against the Core Code for group certification. Tea producers
certified against the Core Code for individual certification must comply with all control points
applicable to them in the Module.
If there is a contradiction between what is required from the Core Code and what is required from
the Module, the requirement from the Module takes precedence.
Clarification for compliance
M
G
M
M
Weeds are removed by hand
or hand tools unless this is not
feasible.
Pruning is finished before the
buds open. 4-5 branches per
shrub are optimal.
M
2
HN. B.4
HN. B.5
HN. B.6
production, at least two other varieties of
hazelnut trees are evenly inter-planted
amongst the main variety and represent
10% of the total number of shrubs.
At least 1 month before harvest livestock M
has to be out of the orchard in order to
avoid damaging and contamination of
the hazelnuts.
Soil and fertility management
When machinery is used, soil compaction G+M
is monitored. The use of heavy
machinery in areas with wet fragile soils
or areas with a high risk of soil erosion is
avoided.
Harvest and postharvest
Harvest
Hazelnuts are harvested at the
M
appropriate time and using the best
method for optimizing quality and crop
health.
HN. B.7
Nuts are not left on the ground longer
than 3 days. In case of handpicking, a
sheet is placed on the ground below the
tree before shaking it.
Postharvest
HN. B.8 The handpicked husked hazelnuts are
pre-dried on stiff beds without contact
with soil and roads and protected from
rainfall, until their leaves turn brown.
HN. B.9 In case sheets are used against rainfall
during drying of hazelnut (both husked
and in shell), they must be hanged 30-40
cm above the hazelnuts product to allow
air circulation.
HN. B.10 After de-husking, in shell hazelnuts are
left to dry a second time till the kernels
have reached a maximum rate of
humidity of 6%.
M
HN. B.11 Where nuts are likely to have become
infested by insects or other pests, they
must be treated with fumigants or other
suitable means before storage or
processing.
M
C
Machinery is: tractors, trailers,
harvesters, shakers sweepers,
etc.
Hazelnuts are harvested as
soon as possible after
maturation.
Hazelnuts are not harvested
before the official start date if
the government indicates this
date.
M
M
M
WORKING CONDITIONS
3
HN. C.1
HN. C.2
HN. C.3
HN. C.4
HN. C.5
HN. C.6
Worker’s health and safety
Facilities, equipment and accident
procedures
Workers are provided at no cost with
gloves in case of handpicking, and
masks when working in dusty orchard
or operating de-husking machines.
Workers are trained on the use of
personal protective equipment and
training record signed by the workers
are made available for inspection by
the IMS of the certificate holder.
Workers’ rights
Child labour
Children under 16 years are not
employed as permanent and/or
seasonal workers. In case local
authorities in hazelnut producing areas
state 15 years as minimum age, this age
applies.
Wages and contracts
The producer makes wage payments
directly to the workers concerned (also
applicable in the case workers are
supplied by labor contractors). The
records are signed by the workers. The
certificate holder checks those records
within the IMS.
G
G+
M
Training of workers refers
to the use of protective
equipment for harvesting
activities.
G+
M
Age is counted according
to European age counting
rules
G+
M
Exceptions are: payments
in line with national laws
or regulations or collective
bargaining agreements.
The producer does not make any
unapproved deductions (for e.g. food
and transportation) from wages for the
purpose of obtaining or retaining
employment. The labor contractor’s
commission is paid directly by the
producer and made transparent to the
workers to avoid double commission
M
The producer only employs foreign
migrant workers if they are registered
and in the possession of a valid work
permit. The certificate holder verifies
the list of workers contracted provided
by the producer through the IMS.
G+
M
The records include at
least the names, dates of
payment, salary paid
(amount).
This applies for payments
made by a worker to an
employer or his
representative or to any
labor contractor.
“Unapproved” means
other than agreed in the
contract or defined by
law.
The producer validates all
workers for their right to
work by reviewing original
documentation and keeps
a list of approved workers.
“Registration” of foreign
workers need to be done
at the Turkish embassy of
their country of origin
4
HN. C.7
HN. C.8
HN. C.9
Written employment
G+
contracts/agreements are in place for
M
all seasonal workers.
Contracts include:
1) General employment conditions
2) Gross and net wage and all benefits
3) Mandatory deductions (e.g. tax and
social security).
Contracts need to be understood by
the workers.
Contracts need to be centrally stored,
checked by the certificate holder
through the IMS and a copy must be
given to each worker.
In the case of supply of seasonal
G
migrant workers through employment
agencies and/or labor contractors, the
certificate holder implements
procedures to enable adequate control,
related to seasonal migrant workers’
identification.
Respectful treatment of workers
The certificate holder through the IMS
verifies that the producer allows all
workers (including domestic and
seasonal migrant workers) to freely
perform cultural expressions like
speaking their mother tongue.
G+
M
The certificate holder
verifies that the written
contracts/agreements are
in place through the IMS.
Deductions for social
security are not required
for workers who work less
than 30 days in a row for
one employer .
The certificate holder
makes the list to be
audited including:
-full name of the worker
-gender
-date of birth
-nationality
Instead of a list, a copy of
each worker and their
families can be provided
The certificate holder
checks through internal
inspection.
Living conditions and services
HN. C.10
HN. C.11
Housing
In case seasonal migrant workers are
G
accommodated in the common tent
settlements, the certificate holder
makes arrangements with the relevant
settlement/municipal authorities for
clean and safe living conditions,
including hygienic sanitation and safe
drinking water (functioning and with
respect for people/gender, etc.).
Workers living on-site have clean and
G
safe living quarters. Special attention is
given to hygienic sanitation, safe
drinking water, clean cooking and
eating areas, ventilation, protection
against weather conditions, and safe
storage of personal items.
The actions undertaken to
make these arrangements
are documented.
Respect for people/gender
takes into account gender
related privacy.
Living quarters can be
locked and if possible
have access to electricity.
The quarters have
divisions between families
or between men and
women if there are
5
quarters for individual
workers.
HN. C.12
HN. C.13
Child care provisions and education
The producer keeps up-to-date records G+
of the family of each worker, indicating M
their names, gender and date of birth.
The copies of the records are signed by
the workers and checked by certificate
holder for verification.
In areas where seasonal migrant
G
workers are densely situated, the
certificate holder makes arrangements
with local authorities to provide day
care facilities for children between 2‐16
years old during working hours.
Total mandatory control points per year
Total additional control points per year
Instead of a list, a copy of
the ID of each worker’s
family member can be
provided.
In case of scattered
settlements and for
children living on-site,
transport between
settlements must be
arranged to allow children
to go to a centralized day
care. The actions
undertaken to make these
arrangements are
documented.
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
14
12
23
3
25
1
25
1
Number of additional control points to comply with
0
0
0
1
Total control points to comply with per year
14
23
25
26
6