162786 Corporate social responsibility in agriculture: Can in work in Sonora, Mexico?

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Ashley B. Wennerstrom, MPH , Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Jill De Zapien , Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Patricia Aranada Gallegos, PhD , Colegio de Sonora, Sonora, Mexico
Maria Isabel Ortega Velez, PhD , Centro de Investigación en Alimenatción, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
Samantha Sabo, MPH , Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Maia Ingram, MPH , Deputy Director, Arizona Prevention Research Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Douglas Taren, PhD , College of Public Health, U of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
The state of Sonora is one of the largest agricultural producers in Mexico, with over $442 million in annual exports. Under NAFTA and current regulations in Mexico, growers have few obligations or incentivives to protect the health and safety of their workers. However, the worldwide movement of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and certification by NGOs represent hope for improving the health of agricultural workers. Researchers have been working closely with several Sonoran vegetable and grape growers to investigate which models of CSR and/or certification can be implemented that would improve the health of workers, while allowing agribusiness to remain profitable. This presentation will outline the history of the CSR movement, as well as explore models of CSR and certification that have been used successfully in agricultural settings around Latin America. Current policies in Sonora that relate to agriculture and worker health will be discussed. Finally, a potential model of CSR that could work for agribusinesses in Sonora will be presented.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the policies in Sonora, Mexico that influence agribusinesses’ treatment of workers. 2. Understand how corporate social responsibility (CSR) and certification programs can improve the health and working conditions of agricultural workers. 3. Understand a possible model of CSR that could be used by agribusinesses in Sonora, Mexico.

Keywords: Agricultural Work Safety, Public Policy

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.