The Application of Corporate Social Responsibility in European Agriculture

The aim of this article is to show that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can be applied in agriculture as a sustainable development tool. This paper shows the connections between CSR and the Common Agricultural Policy; opinions on socially responsible agriculture expressed by EU citizens are mentioned, and the application of the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility in agriculture is described. Both CSR and the Common Agricultural Policy are included in the Europe 2020 Strategy. Farmers should take the CSR concept into account when running their farms, a practice that would be welcomed by European citizens. Applying Corporate Social Responsibility in agriculture would contribute to improving the image of farmers as perceived by stakeholders, as well as bringing notable economic, social and environmental benefits. This article is based on the available literature and the results of European public opinion surveys.