Economically climate-smart practices are profitable and competitive. They generate income for producers and contribute to economic well-being in various ways within the surrounding society. Socially climate-smart practices benefit people, enhancing the well-being of producers' staff and nearby communities.
Especially the social perspective tends to receive less attention in responsibility discussion. Many food producers take good care of their staff and local communities, but this information is often poorly communicated to customers and partners. Highlighting these social actions is a clear development point for many producers. Socially climate-smart practices are much more than mere sustainability marketing. They engage people in food production and reshape their perceptions on what food production entails and how they can influence it.
A socially responsible producer adapts to change by leveraging the strengths of people and communities. Socially responsible producer’s actions are valued, and others seek to collaborate with them. Through their activities, socially responsible producers influence prevailing norms, assumptions, and expectations. On a larger scale, socially responsible producers contribute to creating a knowledge hub in their region which enables national and international collaboration with other food producers and processors. These strong knowledge hubs support a robust and vibrant Finland that can thrive in global markets, both in exports and imports.
Beginning developing social responsibility is easy. A good initial step is to consider the impact which company’s actions should have on the well-being of its and nearby communities, and then assess how the company’s current practices promote these goals. With this understanding, right methods can be developed accordingly. We as research group are promoting the role of social responsibility through the ClimateFood project, where the readiness of food producers and processors in Northern Finland and Sweden is enhanced for climate-smart practices. At its best, social responsibility helps build communities that change with their heads held high. "Better food – better mood" captures this attitude well now and in the future.
Author: Peetu Virkkala, MSc (Industrial Engineering and Management), Doctoral Researcher, University of Oulu Kerttu Saalasti Institute
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