A theoretical perspective on agribusiness and ethics in a South African context

Abstract

Agribusiness, just as any other business, will fail if no profits are generated. Agricultural economists need to utilise the strenghts of sociology, anthropology, polical analysis and philosophy to equip themselves in order to tackle the challenges of agribusiness and address the 'ethics' of business. This paper provides a brief journey through the theoretical and philosophical foundations of business profits and ethics. Two important issues face the industry. The first relates to the high food prices, the debate on a 'fair price for food' and the so-called unethical profiteering by agrifood companies. The second is the important ethical issue of the empowerment of black farmers and black agribusiness entrepreneurs.