The approach taken by Cashew Concern Certification, the company started by myself and my partner, is different. Cashews aren't produced in the United States anyway, so there could be no 'Buy American' (although if you buy Brazilian cashews most if not all of the factories there are clean, modern, and adhere to fair labor standards). Our idea is to inspect and certify those factories that do provide decent working conditions for their employees, as well as adhering to good manufacturing practices. There are some in India as well, mostly in the state of Kerala, where the local government has cracked down. Cashews inspected under the CCC system would be packed in sealed cartons and there is a tracking system so that they can be traced from processor to retail shelf. The can of cashews would also bear the seal so that consumers could know what they are purchasing. The cashew importers, and the retailers, don't want to pay the few cents extra that it would cost. In many cases, it would not cost that much extra to clean up those processing plants and make sure employees had a clean and safe working environment, got paid at least minimum wage, etc. We have e-mails from importers telling us that their aim is not to improve the industry, but to make a profit, and to make as much profit as possible. Only one small company,Feridies ,has supported us. But we're not giving up.

Perhaps such a system could work if we want to continue to trade with China. The factories where these products are made would have to be inspected and adhere to at least minimum standards. That would level the playing field somewhat. And American companies must be held responsible for where they source their products. It's no longer acceptable to feign ignorance - if they want to source from China, fine - but they'd better source from places that have been inspected (and the inspection certificates would have to be updated regularly.)

One more point - the relentless drive to lower prices and maximize profits is in part responsible for the shame of sweatshops, substandard products, etc. In the case of cashews, many buyers just put contracts up for bid, and the lowest priced supplier automatically gets the business. As the price gets driven lower and lower, it becomes more necessary to cut corners where quality and working conditions are concerned. When Brazil cleaned up its cashew industry 15 years ago, most of the cashew processing plants went out of business. They couldn't compete against India and Vietnam, who had the convenient cost savings of using child and prison labor. If we don't force importers and corporations to change their buying policies and make them accountable, the lowest common denominator will always walk away with the business, and we'll perpetrate these conditions.

Here's our blog The Responsible Source .