By Doug Ohlemeier

Subway, owned by Milford, Conn.-based Doctor’s Associates Inc., and the Coalition stated Subway’s agreement to pay a penny per pound more to tomato growers also includes a stringent supplier code of conduct that allows farmworker participation in monitoring grower compliance.

Another fast-food chain has signed on with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers to pay more money to Florida tomato pickers. Subway joined the coalition as its members were pressuring Northeastern retailers and fast-food outlets to join their efforts during an early December “Fair Food Tour.” In a joint news release,

Subway, owned by Milford, Conn.-based Doctor’s Associates Inc., and the Coalition stated Subway’s agreement to pay a penny per pound more to tomato growers also includes a stringent supplier code of conduct that allows farmworker participation in monitoring grower compliance.

“Subway has taken the additional step of extending these higher standards to the vendor code of conduct governing its entire supply chain, not just tomatoes,” the statement said. “Further, Subway has committed its support for the development of an industry-wide code of conduct that will create a uniform set of standards for all Florida tomato growers and purchasers.”

Reggie Brown, executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange, said tomato growers had no part in the deal making process.

“Subway has the privilege of signing any kind of agreement they want to sign with anybody,” Brown said. “We continue to have legal problems with any kind of participation on the part of the industry with that.”

The agreement is similar to others the coalition reached with McDonald's, Burger King and Taco Bell owner Yum Brands Inc.