EXPECT-AGRI: The Political Economy of Expectations in Agri-Food Sustainability Transformations

Content and aim of the research project

The project compares the implementation of four supply chain sustainability laws (from the EU and Switzerland) with a focus on deforestation, child labor, and poverty reduction. We investigate the expectations of economic and social actors regarding these laws; explore whether and how companies influence the interpretation of the laws; analyze which changes (e.g. better traceability, more investment in local projects) can be attributed to the legislation; and discuss how non-compliant companies are punished. We also compare three products (coffee, cocoa, and palm oil) and two producing countries (Colombia and Côte d'Ivoire).

The aim of the research is to understand the conditions under which laws can provide the impetus for economic and social change towards greater sustainability.

Scientific and social context

Our food system urgently needs to become more socially acceptable and environmentally friendly. However, it is very difficult to generate not only niche changes, but actual systemic change. These new, far-reaching laws could have such an impact - and our research will show why this has (not) been the case and develop policy recommendations for improved outcomes.