This article discusses the theme of sustainability from the point-of-view of Agroindustrial Systems (AGSs). For this, we used an analysis model for sustainable AGSs. The New Institutional Economy, specifically the Transition Costs Economy, is the theoretical framework of the research. Presuppositions and hypothesis are evaluated by means of a multicase study on the sustainability of the transaction between the producer and the industry within the AGS of beef from Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Cases relevant to the theme were chosen: Mato Grosso do Sul Association of the producers of precocious calf, Good agricultural practices program – EMBRAPA cattle, and Brazilian Association of Organic Livestock. In short, the analyses of the cases allowed for the characterization of these AGSs and the identification of risks associated to capturing the value generated by the investment in specific assets dedicated to sustainability. Furthermore, we suggest a set of hypotheses to be tested and validated in future researches regarding the efficiency and stability of sustainable AGSs.