Anna Strolenberg (Verts/ALE). – Mr President, dear colleagues, I want to talk about a too often neglected group of farm workers: migrant workers. At least 2.4 million migrants work tirelessly to put the fruits and vegetables of Europe on our tables. Although a lot of farmers that I have talked to take good care of their people, research shows from Oxfam and the University of Comillas that many problems still occur.

Migrant workers face systemic violation of both labour and human rights. They are paid below minimum wage. They are subjected to unsafe conditions, like being exposed to pesticides, and they often live in squalor. Women are especially vulnerable, earning less than men and sometimes enduring sexual harassment and violence. Exploitation spans across Europe, from Sweden to Spain.

What can we do within Europe? We must enforce the directive on corporate social responsibility and we need to implement a stronger conditionality in the Common Agricultural Policy. This way, we can ensure that every worker is treated with the fairness and respect that they deserve.