Social sustainability in the food value chain: what is and how to adopt an integrative approach?

Abstract

Despite sustainability is a trending topic in the literature, the analysis of the social dimension in the food industry is almost neglected due to its complexity and the lack of an integrative approach. This research intends to advance on its conceptualization by incorporating multiple insights from stakeholders at various levels of the food value chain. It also aims at analyzing current challenges and problems, its scope and key actors to improve social sustainability initiatives throughout the food value chain. Through a qualitative-exploratory approach by in-depth interviews with high-level authorities, this research explores its scope and implications for the food industry. Findings suggest that sustainability in the food value chain cannot be achieved without considering the social dimension. Social sustainability should include not only human and labor rights but also living conditions, quality of life, food safety, cultural nuances, vulnerable groups and final customers through international agreed instruments. Social sustainability will only be possible with the commitment of all actors and good traceability systems from the seed’s recollection to final distribution. Actually, the Sustainable Developments Goals can become a good starting point to involve local, national and international government levels on a joint effort with other actors beyond the industry, always considering the specificities of the region under analysis.