Organic Production and Corporate Social Responsability: an opportunity for fruit and vegetable co-operatives in Almería

TOPIC 9- STAGE 5- MICRO Should Social Responsibility be considered an added cost or a competitive element for fruit and vegetables co-operatives? We explore this issue in the co-operative sector in Almería, Spain. The Social... [ view full abstract ]

TOPIC 9- STAGE 5- MICRO

Should Social Responsibility be considered an added cost or a competitive element for fruit and vegetables co-operatives? We explore this issue in the co-operative sector in Almería, Spain.
The Social Responsibility Co-operatives (RSC) concept refers to the voluntary integration of all social and environmental main issues in all business operations in an enterprise and with its relationship with partners of interest groups (stakeholders).
The appearance of new private protocols for Social Responsibility (GlobalG.A.P. GRASP, KRAV, Naturland, Biossuise, etc.) implicates new requirements for the farmers.We argue that they must be considered as an opportunity for improvement, supporting the sustainability criteria for fruit and vegetable farmers in Almería.
Fruits and vegetables co-operatives in Almería, with a strong export focus, are in the process of adaptation to new technologies and new crop methods, as well as to satisfying the increasing and changing preferences of consumers.
The traditional intensive agriculture in Almería adapted gradually to integrated production methods (biological control as opposed to pesticide use, with more environmentally sound impacts). At the beginning of this decade, a new revolution was put into operation, the conversion to organic production with near 2.000 ha and continuous growing.
Currently, co-operatives are incorporating into their operation rules based on those Social Responsibility aspects directed at welfare improvement for farmers and hired labour, as well as in their internationalization strategic plans, their relationship with stakeholders and the search of niche markets.
The Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis in the organic production or fruit and vegetable co-operatives in Almería and the new Social Responsibility standards, give information about current situation and future perspectives. Most importantly, this analysis brings to light the strengths obtained and new business opportunities that appear.
Keywords: Organic Production, Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainability, Niche Market, Stakeholders.