Social sustainability, farm labor, and organic agriculture: Findings from an exploratory analysis

Abstract

Much of the attention by social scientists to the rapidly growing organic agriculture sector focuses on the benefits it provides to consumers (in the form of pesticide-free foods) and to farmers (in the form of price premiums). By contrast, there has been little discussion or research about the implications of the boom in organic agriculture for farmworkers on organic farms. In this paper, we ask the question: From the perspective of organic farmers, does ''certified organic'' agriculture encompass a commitment to ''sustainability'' that prioritizes social goals? Specifically, we aim to broaden our understanding of the relationship between social sustainability and organic agriculture by drawing attention to issues affecting farmworkers, whose labor and contribution tends to elude most discussions of organic agriculture. We present findings from a survey of organic farmers in California about the possible incorporation of social standards into organic certification criteria. Our findings suggest that, at best, lukewarm support for social certification within organic agriculture exists among certified organic farmers in California. They also question expectations that organic agriculture necessarily fosters social or even economic sustainability for most of the farmers and farmworkers involved. However, we also find exceptions to the patterns evidenced in our survey. In-depth interviews with select organic farmers demonstrate that there are individuals whose practices are atypical and demonstrate that, under some circumstances, an organic production system can be at once environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable.

Exploring the Relationship between collaboration and farmers' satisfaction at work

“…In this complementary view, collaboration can help farmers to achieve economic targets such as reducing input costs, influencing sale prices and strengthening farmers' ability to bargain collectively. This is because collaboration can help farmers to strive for favorable legislation and to countervail market power exercised by retailers (Valentinov, 2005;Shreck et al, 2006). It is argued in this article that the farmers' ability to achieve economic targets can positively affect satisfaction at work.…”

“…In spite of the relevance of social sustainability for sustainable development, policymakers have traditionally shown a tendency to put more weight on environmental sustainability and economic development (Shreck et al, 2006;Hutchins and Sutherland, 2008;Wu et al, 2016). This is clearly identified in the rural sector.…”

“…On one hand, social isolation can lead to a sense of loneliness and lack of recognition from family or friends (Kallstrom and Ljung, 2005). On the other hand, insecure living and working conditions are related to the fact that agriculture is one of the most dangerous occupations because of the high risks associated with accidents and exposure to toxic substances, among others (Shreck et al, 2006).…”

Cultivating Alliances: The Local Organic Food Co-ops Network

“…Today, it has become an international movement dedicated not only to resisting the industrialization of food and agriculture but also to providing a model of alternative ways of eating and living, and to highlighting the social, ecological, and economic goods and services organic agriculture provides (Lynch, Sumner, & Martin, 2014). Today's organic movement has been critiqued on a range of issues, including gender bias (Sumner & Llewelyn, 2011), lack of commitment to social sustainability (Shreck, Getz, & Feenstra, 2006) and co-optation (Jaffee & Howard, 2009), but it continues to evolve and mature. This maturation is reflected in the many strands within the movement, such as those who follow agro-ecological approaches, non-organic but environmentally concerned farmers (e.g., Practical Farmers of Iowa), and followers of holistic resource management.…”

Working for social sustainability: insights from a Spanish organic production enclave

“…By engaging with the concept of the social sustainability of food systems, this article contributes to a discussion among critical food scholars, as many have articulated their analysis in relation to the notion of "social sustainability" (De Castro, Gadea, and Pedreño 2014;Nousiainen et al 2009;Shreck, Getz, and Feenstra 2006). There is no unified definition of social sustainability in the social sciences, reflecting its inherent transdisciplinary nature.…”