About the project
New EU rules redefine corporate responsibilities. Mediate explores how intermediary actors help translate due diligence into practice, with an eye on equitable outcomes for SMEs and small-scale producers in the Global South.
Our key questions
The Mediate project examines four central questions around the role of intermediaries in complying with and shaping new sustainability rules.
1. What are the new rules? We map out which due diligence obligations are emerging, including in public procurement and the financial sector.
2. Who helps companies? We examine what types of intermediaries (such as labels, consultants, NGOs) are active and how they support companies in due diligence.
3. What is the impact in practice? We look at how the use of these intermediaries affects due diligence processes and what that means for smaller companies and producers, especially in the Global South.
4. What do we learn from intermediaries? We develop new theoretical insights into how intermediaries work together and how they contribute to international sustainability policies.
Building sustainable chains
Although the focus of the Mediate project is not limited to one specific sector, food chains have a central place in the empirical research. The project puts its focus on how intermediary organisations can play a key role in due diligence processes. This includes analysing the support offered by existing legislation, developing practical tools and guidelines (e.g., toolkit, policy briefs, training modules) and strengthening their contribution to sustainability. In addition, the project facilitates cooperation and dialogue among these organisations to increase their impact and make the food sector more sustainable.
Intermediaries as key to sustainable value chains
From labels to NGOs and sector organisations, intermediaries play a crucial role in how sustainability rules are understood, applied and translated into the practice of international trade chains. They can bridge the gap between regulation and practice. They inform, guide, monitor, and thus largely determine how sustainability standards take shape on the ground. However, they themselves are often still searching in how exactly to fulfil their role.
Work packages
Consortium
Stakeholders
View relevant publications here
Discover our publications and related literature on due diligence and the role of intermediaries in sustainability policy.
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