Decision Support Model for the Optimization of Quality Systems in the Agri-Food Industry

Quality management is of paramount importance in all stages of the Agri-Food production and process chain. The approach of quality management has been changed in the past years due to the effects of globalization, numerous deficits in food safety and the legislative such as the new European regulation 178/2002 concerning food safeties. A trend, which can be shown, is the development of several quality systems and norms in response to this challenge. Therefore programmes will be developed and improved in the Agri-Food-industry further on. There are general quality systems, which are applied in different countries and sectors, country and product specific standards and programmes, which were developed by retail initiatives. This paper will give an insight into the variety of quality standards in the agribusiness and food industry in Europe and beyond. The main aspect will be a cost/benefit analysis for the implementation of different quality systems in firms and supply chains.