Institutional perspectives on corporate social responsibility (CSR) in agricultural enterprises amidst social movement debates

As climate extremes intensify, biodiversity declines, and ecosystems degrade, agriculture faces scrutiny as both a driver and a victim of these crises. Its dependence on fossil fuels and ethical concerns around intensive farming fuel criticism from civil society. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) in agribusiness relies on voluntary frameworks, yet these often overlook key social and environmental issues. Large farming enterprises engage in CSR, but tensions with activist groups persist, as voluntary efforts fail to meet societal expectations. This study examines CSR in large-scale farming across Argentina, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Romania, uncovering individual motivations, activist resistance, and institutional influences. Using interviews, surveys, participant observation, and document analysis, it reveals how weak institutions shape CSR, why conflicts with social movements emerge, and how discourse failure may persist. The research offers pathways for mitigation of conflicts.