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

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.