Counterpoints and inconsistencies in the discourse of agribusiness productivity and its externalities from the perspective of biopower

ABSTRACT This essay proposes a critical analysis of agribusiness, seeking to build a comprehensive theoretical model based on Foucault’s concept of biopower. It also proposes to contribute to the discussions of sustainable alternatives and to combat actions that promote and make the use of pesticides more flexible. It is argued that agribusiness, despite having its image built by speeches that emphasize its efficiency and productivity, imposes barriers that prevent the guarantee of food and nutritional security. Due to the intensive use of pesticides, it also does not provide safe and quality food, while it impacts the environment and compromises the health of the population, added to its political, economic, social, and cultural impacts. The analysis from the perspective of biopower highlights the performance of the agrochemical and food industries, as standards and generators of consumption, disregards moral and ethical principles, infringes human rights and the autonomy of the subjects. At the same time, it is proposed that, through long term popular education and food and nutrition education, it is possible to build autonomous and critical subjects and collectives, capable of transforming the existing power structures and acting in favor of public policies that promote practices that are fair, healthy, sustainable, and ethical.