Social sustainability in the food value chain: An integrative approach beyond corporate social responsibility

Nowadays, social sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) are becoming more relevant, however, a series of inconsistencies emerge from existent literature. Due to its complexity and sensitiveness, social sustainability is difficult to implement and measure, while social issues receive less attention in CSR operational plans in comparison to environmental factors. This study contributes to an under-researched topic in the literature by providing a framework for developing CSR practices in the food value chains from a social perspective. Findings recommend different ways to measure social issues and identify communication and transparency as central elements to demonstrate a company's effort. This process requires the commitment of all actors, not only companies, but also stakeholders and governmental bodies involved in FVCs to ensure social sustainability. The academia has also a major role on standardizing how to measure it. Finally, this paper offers a series of practical recommendations to ensure good social practices along the FVC.