Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become an increasingly important component of modern business strategy as consumers, communities, and regulators place greater emphasis on ethical and environmental performance. This Virginia Cooperative Extension publication provides an economic overview of CSR, defining the concept and explaining why firms may voluntarily engage in socially responsible practices that go beyond legal or market requirements. Drawing on economic research, the publication discusses how CSR can influence profitability, consumer demand, employee loyalty, regulatory relationships, and community goodwill, while also highlighting the limitations and risks of unsustainable or profit‑sacrificing activities. The publication is intended to support informed decision‑making by agribusiness owners, farm operators, and business managers considering CSR as part of a broader business strategy.

Consumer demand for food grown using sustainable farm practices is at an all-time high (Nielsen, 2018). This is compelling farmers to explore various options to improve sustainability.

This publication explains how producers and sellers can implement effective pricing strategies based on market structure and competition. It distinguishes between price discovery markets and price setting markets, outlining how competition, product differentiation, branding, transportation costs, and perishability influence pricing decisions. The publication also discusses marketing margins, vertical integration, contracting, and marketing-pricing alternatives that can help businesses improve profitability, manage risk, increase market share, and enhance long-term business performance. It provides practical guidance for agricultural producers and other sellers seeking to develop informed pricing strategies in competitive and noncompetitive markets.

The federal crop insurance program is managed by the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA). The crop insurance program helps to protect producers against low-revenue years. This publication provides a basic overview of the federal crop insurance policies available in Virginia and links to additional information about crop insurance policies.

This publication explains genetically modified organisms (GMOs), bioengineered foods, and non-GMO labeling in the United States, providing a practical overview for farmers, food producers, agribusiness professionals, and consumers. It outlines the science and purpose of genetic modification, discusses potential benefits and public concerns, and details requirements under the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS), including labeling thresholds, exemptions, compliance options, and enforcement procedures. The publication also compares U.S. regulations with international GMO labeling policies and clarifies the differences between mandatory bioengineered disclosures and voluntary non-GMO claims, helping stakeholders navigate evolving food labeling standards and market expectations.

More simply, marketing is the process of deciding what to sell and how to sell it. A producer or seller must decide what products to produce (and how to produce them) or sell. She must decide when to sell it, where to sell it, and how much of it to sell. She must make decisions about packaging, labeling, and branding of the product.