ILO Brief

Advancing decent work in the sugarcane supply chain

This ILO brief from March 2025 discusses advancing Decent Work in the sugarcane supply chain, highlighting the industry's growth driven by technological advancements and rising demand for sugar and bioethanol. The sugar supply chain involves diverse stakeholders, from smallholder farmers to large agribusinesses, with sugarcane dominating global sugar production. Key players like Brazil, India, and the EU significantly influence the market, with Brazil being the largest exporter. The industry faces challenges such as decent work deficits, including lack of workers' rights and inadequate working conditions, particularly in the upstream segments. Efforts to address these issues include formalization and mechanization initiatives, as well as projects aimed at enhancing labour standards and promoting gender equality. The brief also emphasizes the importance of international instruments and national legislations in promoting decent work and sustainable practices within the sugarcane supply chain.