FLC LAB launches April 1, 2026. Please register for the upcoming webinar and review the information below to learn more and prepare for the release.
FLC LAB (Learn, Assess, Benchmark) offers Farm Labor Contractors an accessible starting point for social responsibility, with tools and resources to increase knowledge, assess and strengthen their labor management systems over time. Designed as a continuous improvement platform, LAB helps FLCs assess their labor management systems regularly against the principles outlined in the Ethical Charter on Responsible Labor Practices.
As an industry-wide effort, ECIP LAB supports alignment among FLCs, growers, suppliers, and retailers around shared responsible labor standards, and, most importantly, provides retailers with increased visibility into their supply chains.
CAPACITY BUILDING
ECIP offers resources and a marketplace of expert service providers who can help employers address key challenges in labor management, strengthening systems and responding to retail customer requirements.
COMMON PROGRAM
By participating in ECIP, the entire produce industry can engage in social responsibility reporting that is aligned with multiple buyers. FLCs can showcase their social responsibility efforts and certifications, and highlight areas where they are actively improving.
Getting Started With FLC LAB
FLCs can access FLC LAB and begin their continuous improvement journey by completing this form. Once submitted, they will receive an invitation to join the platform and can immediately begin using the resources built into the program to learn, assess and benchmark their social responsibility efforts.
LAB helps FLCs self-assess their operation on 56 different work areas, systems and policies to support their ongoing assessment and continuous improvement. Through FLC LAB, FLCs are invited to:
about the management systems required to align with the Ethical Charter.
their own management systems and explore resources to strengthen them.
their performance over time on a continuous improvement journey.
How to Build a Positive Engagement Profile in FLC LAB
Here’s a breakdown on how FLCs can get started in building their engagement profile:
- Fill out this form to request an invite to FLC LAB. Create a login and invite others from your operation to join.
- Assess management systems in FLC LAB by evaluating the operation’s performance in 56 different work areas, systems and policies. Access resources and additional information about each area. Specific self-assessment on each of the management systems is for internal use only, and will not be seen by your customers. ECIP is a capacity-building tool, not a compliance test, responses will not be seen by anyone outside those you invite within your operation.
- As the operation is assessed, an engagement profile will populate. Over time, as the FLC credibly engages with FLC LAB, accesses resources and re-assesses management systems, the engagement profile will increase.
- Get ahead of future updates—growers in ECIP will soon earn credit for working with FLCs who participate in FLC LAB.
For a more in-depth look, visit How to Earn Stars.
How to Respond to the Assess Channel
The Assess channel is designed to help evaluate current labor management systems and identify areas for improvement. When completing the assessment, it is important to provide honest and accurate responses. FLC LAB is a learning tool that supports a continuous improvement journey. As FLCs assess the operation, the engagement profile will populate. Over time, as the FLC credibly engages with FLC LAB, accesses resources and re-assesses its management systems, the engagement profile will improve.
Approved Certifications
FLC LAB is designed to complement—not replace—existing certification programs by offering additional tools and resources to strengthen labor management systems. Operations that hold one of the four approved certifications will earn a Gold Star, the highest level of engagement within FLC LAB.
To validate your certification in ECIP LAB, please email a copy of your current, approved certificate to support@ethicalcharterprogram.org. Once validated, the FLC will receive a Gold Star designation on their engagement profile.
Pricing Structure
Thanks to a generous grant from the Walmart Foundation, all FLC LAB subscriptions are free through 2026. Beginning in 2027, annual subscription fees will apply.