Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) dates back to the early 1900s and has become common in modern business models. As incomes have risen worldwide, consumers have begun to demand more products that are produced by firms that engage in CSR and market their commitments to it.

This handout, which accompanies a webinar on 'Corporate Social Responsibility as a Business Strategy', provides an overview of the economics of CSR and why businesses may want to engage in it. The webinar and handout are part of the Virginia Sustainable Farms and Agribusiness Education Initiative offered by Virginia Tech's Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics and Virginia Cooperative Extension. More information about the program is available at https://aaec.vt.edu/extension/va-sustainable-farms-agribusinesses.html