Do You Know Where Your Food Really Comes From?
I saw a documentary the other day that was both fascinating and disturbing. I've given so much thought to the quality of what I eat, eating locally and seasonally – and avoiding processed foods. But it turns out there’s a significant aspect to what I eat that I hadn't considered.
Who is involved in getting your food from the field to your plate?
The documentary focused mainly on fruit and vegetable farms right here, in Australia. I’m always careful to make sure all of my produce is Australian and I’d naively assumed those involved in picking and packing would be protected and treated fairly. Apparently this is not the case.
Whilst the majority of the work force at these farms is lawful and “on the books”, many of them were reported to rely on cheap workers, who are often forced to work incredibly long hours, underpaid, and in some cases struggle to get paid at all. The farms go through 3rd party labour providers, which seems to be a way they can bury their heads in the sand, claiming they had no idea the workers were being mistreated. Many of the third party labour providers were reported to with-hold part of the minimum $21 hourly wage the workers had earnt, which is clearly illegal.
Significant numbers of the farm workers are in Australia on Working Holiday Visa’s –the exact visa I first came into the country on. This visa enables the holder to work for 12 months, but it is possible to extend it to two years on completion of qualifying farm work. It appears the promise of granting the valuable second year visa extensions allows a lot of the farms to manipulate the workers even further.
I was also amazed at the sheer volume and range of well-known companies and brands some of these farms were reported to be supplying. With salad, fruit and vegetables going to all of the major supermarkets (often packed as their own brand) as well as restaurants and fast food outlets, it seems almost impossible to have the confidence to buy produce that you can be certain is not from exploited workers.
Is there any way we can be certain the food we're eating was picked and packed ethically?
Understanding the Hidden Human Cost of Our Food
When we talk about ethical eating, the conversation usually revolves around animals, sustainability, and environmental impact. But the human side of the food production chain often receives far less attention. The reality is that many of the fruits and vegetables lining Australian supermarket shelves have passed through the hands of people who may have been underpaid, exploited, or left vulnerable due to legal loopholes and poor oversight. This raises a huge question for those of us trying to follow a conscious, paleo-inspired lifestyle: can food really be considered “clean” if the people behind it are not treated with basic dignity and fairness?
The Labour Hire Problem
At the heart of the issue lies the widespread use of third-party labour hire companies. These firms are often contracted by farms to supply seasonal workers without the farms directly employing them. While this system is supposed to provide flexibility, in practice it has created layers of separation and a lack of accountability. Labour hire companies are often unregulated and transient, making it easy for them to underpay or exploit workers with little fear of long-term consequences. Farmers can then plausibly deny knowledge of any wrongdoing, despite benefiting from the labour.
Who Are the Workers?
Many farm workers in Australia come from overseas, particularly via the Working Holiday Visa scheme. Others arrive under the Seasonal Worker Programme or the more recent Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. These programs were intended to provide mutual benefit: seasonal workforces for farms, and income and job experience for visitors and Pacific Islanders. However, workers are often placed in isolated areas with limited access to support, unfamiliar with their rights, and reliant on their employers or agents for housing and transport. This power imbalance can quickly become exploitative.
Why It Matters for Paleo Consumers
If you follow a paleo lifestyle, you’re already thinking carefully about what you put into your body. You avoid artificial ingredients, limit processed foods, and source ethically reared meat. It only makes sense to extend that same mindfulness to the people involved in growing your food. A paleo diet that supports health and wellbeing should also align with broader ethical values. Supporting exploitative food systems not only undermines the integrity of your choices, but also perpetuates suffering within our communities and food supply chains.
Steps Towards More Ethical Food Choices
So what can be done? While no solution is perfect, there are several strategies to reduce the risk of unknowingly supporting unethical labour practices:
- Buy direct from growers: Farmers markets, community supported agriculture (CSA) boxes, and farm gates offer more transparency. Speaking directly with producers can give insight into how workers are treated.
- Look for ethical certifications: While still limited in fresh produce, some Australian farms are beginning to adopt certifications that include fair labour standards. Watch for initiatives like Fair Farms or SEDEX certification.
- Support co-operatives: Food co-ops are often more invested in transparency and community-based farming practices.
- Ask questions: Whether shopping at a grocer or eating at a restaurant, ask where the produce comes from. Customer demand can push businesses to examine and improve their sourcing.
- Grow your own: Nothing beats the peace of mind that comes from harvesting your own veg. Even a few herbs or leafy greens on a windowsill reduce your reliance on questionable supply chains.
The Role of Major Retailers
Supermarkets have tremendous power to influence working conditions through their buying practices. Unfortunately, price competition has often meant squeezing suppliers to the lowest possible cost. This pressure gets passed down the chain, creating incentives for unethical shortcuts. While some retailers have started introducing ethical sourcing policies and auditing procedures, they often fall short or lack transparency. Consumers pushing for better traceability and demanding clearer labelling can play a role in accelerating change.
The Challenge of Own Brand Products
Many exploited workers are packing produce under supermarket own-brand labels. This makes it difficult to differentiate between ethical and non-ethical options on the shelf. While it’s easy to assume a higher price or attractive packaging means better sourcing, that isn’t always the case. Until supply chains are made more transparent, even health-conscious and well-meaning shoppers may be supporting practices they would never knowingly endorse.
How Policy Could Help
At a government level, stronger regulation of labour hire companies is desperately needed. Proposals include creating a national licensing scheme, increasing penalties for wage theft, and investing in independent auditing systems. Consumer advocacy groups also argue for improved visa protections and clearer pathways for reporting abuse. While large-scale change takes time, supporting organisations that campaign for worker rights and voting for policy reforms are meaningful steps any consumer can take.
Ethical Eating Is an Ongoing Journey
If this feels overwhelming, it’s important to remember that ethical eating is not about perfection. It’s about intention. No one can trace every ingredient back to its source, but being aware of the broader context is a powerful first step. Choosing transparency where possible, asking questions, and voting with your wallet all help push the system in a better direction. As more consumers align their ethical values with their dietary choices, pressure builds for the food industry to evolve.
Final Thoughts
The shocking reality is that some of the most nutritious, seemingly wholesome foods on your plate may be hiding a dark backstory. If we truly value the principles behind paleo – real food, sustainability, connection to land, and holistic wellbeing – then we must include the people behind our food in that equation. Ethical eating isn’t just about avoiding processed ingredients or choosing organic. It’s about being part of a food culture that values both people and the planet. Let your shopping list reflect not only your nutritional goals, but also your compassion.
