The last in the chain. Quality and work in the Valencian citrus sector

Abstract

Agricultural workers occupy the last position in the global agri-food chains. These, hegemonized by the large distributors, transfer from top to bottom an increasing competitive pressure in which quality is a central element. This paper tackles the consequences of quality norms on the workforce in La Ribera del Xúquer (Valencia), a citrus exporting territory. Our results show that quality standards do not imply a higher quality of work in the field, increase differences between workers and reinforce ethnic segmentation. In the warehouses, traditionally feminized, the quality requirements, although they imply greater versatility and control of the worker’s space, behaviour and body, have contributed to stricter compliance with the collective agreement.