Whether soy, corn, or beef: much of our food comes from countries in the Global South. But there are often great inequalities there: large agricultural corporations dictate the terms, while small farmers and workers have little say. The study shows how these power relations lead to injustice – for example, when farmers are punished for poor harvest conditions even though they are not to blame.
"Strategic and balanced use of power"
“Our research examines how power asymmetries shape justice perceptions and social, environmental, and economic sustainability within an agricultural commodity supply network in Mato Grosso/Brazil, with the goal of identifying ways to foster fairer and more sustainable supply networks. We found that excessive, strategic, and balanced forms of power use lead to very different justice perceptions and sustainability outcomes for commodity traders, agricultural inputs suppliers, farmers, rural workers, Indigenous communities, and the environment”, says study author Dr. Felipe Alexandre de Lima.
The researchers found that farmers under pressure often make unfair decisions themselves—such as cutting wages or poisoning animals that threaten their fields. This creates chain reactions that affect not only people but also nature. Indigenous communities whose land is used for cultivation—often without their consent—are particularly affected.
Fair treatment leads to sustainability
But there is hope: when companies act fairly—for example, through transparent contracts, training, or fair pay—everyone benefits. Farmers can operate more sustainably, workers are better protected, and the environment is preserved. The study shows that fair relationships in the supply chain are crucial for a sustainable future.
Conscious purchasing—such as products with fair and sustainable seals—supports fair supply chains. The study also calls on politicians and companies to take responsibility and create fair conditions—so that sustainability does not remain just a promise, but becomes reality.
