Modern Slavery and Agricultural Production Systems

• In Event: Criminology of Food and Agricultural Part II (Farmers as Offenders)

Abstract

Agriculture has an unenviable association with slavery through the ages. The abolitionist movement’s campaigning and resultant legislation of the 19th century effectively made it illegal; however, it has never gone away. The increasing globalization of food production, trade deregulation and pressure on suppliers to achieve cost savings has led to the resurgence of this abhorrent practice. Modern slavery is principally focused on those desperate for employment, illegal or recent immigrants. Once trafficked they are generally employed in a picking, planting or packing environment – paid low or no wages and forced to pay for substandard accommodation and ‘administration’ fees. Many of those trafficked are found to suffer mental health issues and many become victim of physical and sexual abuse. Exploring experiences within the UK this paper focuses on the enslaved experiences and the success of interventions and legal measures aimed at freeing them and curtailing this trade.

Authors

• Richard Byrne, Harper Adams University

• Kreseda Smith, Harper Adams University