The Louis Dreyfus Foundation aims to promote projects in the areas of sustainable agriculture, food security and self-sufficiency, particularly through education and direct support to farmers, with a specific focus on emerging countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

The goal of the Foundation is also to highlight the global issue of food insecurity, and the challenge facing humanity to double global food production in a sustainable way.

Whenever possible, the Foundation can use some of the assets and human resources of the Louis Dreyfus Group, especially Louis Dreyfus Company which has a strong international presence in areas of interest to the Foundation. Any relationship between the Foundation and the Louis Dreyfus Group is on the basis that the Louis Dreyfus Group will not derive any monetary benefit from it.

This Code of Ethics guides the ethical conduct of the Foundation and provides a framework for maintaining a high standard of professional conduct. 

It does not cover every issue that may arise, but sets out basic principles to guide all the people involved in the Foundation: operational team, members of the Advisory Committee, employees of Louis Dreyfus Company, subcontractors (“Staff”) and Board members.

Everyone affiliated with the Foundation and its projects is expected to comply with the following Code of Ethics.

1. Personal and Professional Integrity

The Staff involved in the Foundation will act with honesty, integrity and openness in working toward the Foundation’s mission. The Foundation promotes a working environment that values respect, fairness and integrity. The Staff adheres to the Foundation’s bylaws.

2. Mission

The Foundation has a clearly stated mission and purpose, approved by the Board. All of its programs support that mission and all who work for or on behalf of the Foundation are expected to understand that mission and purpose.

3. Governance

The Foundation’s Board serves an active and independent governing body that is responsible for setting the mission and strategic direction and oversight of the finances, operations and policies of the Foundation. 

4. Legal Compliance

All the people involved in the Foundation are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that complies with applicable laws and applicable regulations in the various countries in which the Foundation operates.

5. Responsible Stewardship

The Foundation manages its funds and resources prudently and serves as a responsible steward of its assets. The Staff ensures that:

• An adequate amount is spent on administrative expenses to ensure effective accounting systems, internal controls, competent resources and other expenditures critical to professional management;
• Draws from endowment funds will be prudent and consistent with donor intent;
• All spending practices and policies are fair, reasonable and appropriate to fulfill the mission of the Foundation;
• All financial reports are factually accurate and complete in all material respects.

6. Openness and Disclosure

The Foundation provides comprehensive and timely information to the public, the media and all stakeholders and is responsive in a timely manner to reasonable requests for information. All information about the Foundation will fully and honestly reflect the policies and practices of the Foundation. All financial, organizational and program reports will be complete and accurate in all material respects.

7. Program Evaluation

The Foundation regularly reviews program effectiveness and incorporates lessons learned into future programs. The Foundation is committed to improving program and organizational effectiveness and developing mechanisms to promote learning from the Foundation’s activities. The Foundation is responsive to changes in its field of activity and the needs of its beneficiaries.

8. Reporting Procedures

The Staff is encouraged to seek guidance from the General Manager of the Foundation concerning the interpretation or application of this Code.

The Board ensures that any conflicts of interest or the appearance thereof are avoided or appropriately managed through disclosure, recusal or other means. 

The Staff must avoid engaging in actions, directly or through associated parties, or with third parties, which may not be compatible with the interests or image of the Foundation. Conflicts of interest or potential conflict must be disclosed in due course by the Staff to the General Manager of the Foundation. 

Any person who believes the Code of Ethics has been violated is obligated to promptly report their concerns to the Chairperson of the Foundation Board and the General Manager. All reports of a suspected violation will be investigated and acted upon in confidence to the extent possible. Upon completion of the investigation, the Foundation will take such action as it deems appropriate under the circumstances. The Foundation will not tolerate retaliation against any Staff member who makes a good faith report or who cooperates with the investigation of a complaint.