ISHS Acta Horticulturae 439: III International Strawberry Symposium
USE OF THE ISO 9002 QUALITY STANDARD MODEL IN STRAWBERRY FARMING |
| Authors: | E. Juntunen, S. Salo |
| Keywords: | Fragaria x ananassa, cultivation, environmental considerations, marketing |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.1997.439.71 |
| Abstract:
The Association of Rural Advisory Centres of Finland is developing quality systems for farms in Finland which comply with the international ISO 9002 quality standard specifications. The Inner Savo Berry Know-How Centre and the Rural Advisory Centre of North Savo have developed in 1995 an ISO 9002-based quality system for strawberry farms as part of the overall quality system development work. Fifty entrepreneurs have been involved in the development of the ISO 9002 quality system for strawberry farms, headed by the Inner Savo Berry Know-How Centre. The development of the ISO 9002 quality system for these strawberry farms comprised quality instruction, guided working in small groups, quality system work carried out on the farms (quality manual), and individual instruction. Apart from the technical requirements of the ISO 9002 quality standard, the quality system for strawberry farms also covered environmental considerations and ethical questions concerning berry production. Better management and methodology, clear operational and work instructions, and more effective cooperation between strawberry producers, the market, and processors have been seen to be benefits of the adoption of the ISO 9002 strawberry farm quality system. The strawberry farm ISO 9002 quality system improves profitability and promotes marketing of the harvest. The first strawberry farmers now qualify for internationally-approved ISO 9002 quality certificates valid from the beginning of 1996. | |
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