CSR, innovation and public policy in the agri-food sector.

Summary The social and environmental responsibility of agriculture and agri-food companies is now widely questioned. This economic sector is at a crossroads given the numerous environmental externalities of the sector's activity, the health safety problems linked to globalization and trade developments, and finally the public health issue linked to overeating and obesity. These issues are pushing public authorities to react very strongly through regulations, norms and other standardization measures, and companies to invest in CSR actions to maintain their reputation in the long term. In line with Porter's hypothesis, we show how it is possible to coordinate these two types of strategic levers, by demonstrating to what extent regulations can induce a "win-win" virtuous circle, in order to favor both corporate profits and the societal balance of their activities.