Agro-industries in Mexico and the world must fulfill a very special mission, to meet the food needs of humanity that demand security, quality, productivity, sustainable use of natural resources and environmental protection. These companies occupy a place within the value chain system by relying on producers' raw materials and providing products to distribution channels.
The agro-industrial activity begins with the products of the agricultural sector, which after being harvested require transportation, storage, logistics, industrial services, marketing (wholesale and retail) and the final process that includes food preparation and consumption.
The term agro-industry, agro-industrial process, or food industry excludes industries that produce industrial or agricultural equipment and machinery or chemical inputs for agriculture (FAO, 1997)
Agro-industrial activity cannot be analyzed in isolation as it is part of a system composed of elements that define and explain it as inputs, outputs, processes, borders and the environment where people, technology, capital, materials, data, regulations are involved.. (Heylighen, 1998, Sauter, 2000)
Consumers demand processed foods that guarantee safety, sensory quality, easy handling, foods and ingredients that do not harm their health, fresh or minimally processed, complementary foods according to lifestyle, rich in fruits and vegetables, foods in new combinations, fast foods that help the consumer to conserve their form and foods with high specific cultural value (Cuevas 1998).
Competitive strategies must reside in the development of business systems that allow compliance with consumer standards, regulations and expectations to produce safe and quality articles, under favorable economic conditions. Rural and urban food industries must be the best actors in agri-food systems and must have a positive impact on food security, have the capacity to offer safety, high quality to the consumer on a sustainable basis, and innovate and help progressively improve profitability. in the products and processes of the food chain.
Hennessy, et al. (2003) postulates that many of the food security problems are systemic and that they fail due to lack of linkage, communications, information and technology when prescribing policies and the need to carry out analyzes to reorient the systems (see figure No. 1)
To achieve quality and safety in the food chain, it is necessary to establish vertical coordination and organization that ensures tools as part of the coordination, cooperation and communication system, which are key in the value integration process (Hobbs et al., 2000).
The food system in its value chains can be divided into subsystems that include the input of process materials and the output of the finished product; external logistics and warehousing; production, harvest, socioeconomic, political, market conditions and regulatory laws; and the last one, employment, social development and nutritional improvement.
Productivity is the measurement of the competitiveness of nations in the long term and depends on the value of goods and services (Porter 2003). Competitiveness can be seen as the condition of the structure and strategy of a productive entity such as a small industrial business with options to achieve a position in the market with sustainable profits. Competitiveness in this sense depends on critical factors which may or may not be subject to control (Da Silva and Batalha, 1999).
Hennessy, et al. (2003)
Health and prosperity are created at the macroeconomic level. Porter (2003) postulates that the determinants of productivity can be grouped under two main microeconomic factors: the quality of the business environment and the degree of development of companies' strategies and operations. To be competitive, it is necessary to improve personal qualification, the quality of information, infrastructure, distributors and the quality of their relationships. (See figure No. 2)
Quality refers to the combination of critical characters that consumers establish to accept products. For food, this is a mixture of purity, flavor, texture, color, appearance and manufacturing process. Quality is associated with consumers' perception of the value of a product in terms of the client being prepared to pay what may be subjective. (Fellows et al. 1995)
The principle of quality is seen as quality products that satisfy needs, solve problems and meet the expectations of consumers.
Okazaki (2002) states that food quality has to do with 2 concepts: quality hygiene and non-hygienic aspects. The first can be divided into three categories: absence of biological damage, chemical damage, and physical damage. The second divided into four categories: Sensory, nutritional, physiological quality (foods that promise health) and quality requirements in the process (use). According to Peters and Timmerhaus (1980), the selected technology and factors such as infrastructure, technological process, market, services, equipment, location, costs and management affect the quality and competitiveness of industries.
Agricultural products are affected by the quality of materials such as seed selection, fertilizer application, plant control by competing for spaces, pests and disease control, cleaning and selection. Similar situation is experienced with products of animal origin. (FAO, 1997).
Agribusiness can be understood as the production of industrial, agrochemical and other inputs used by agriculture; although there is also the meaning of understanding by agro-industry all the processes that add value to agricultural products such as packaging, processing, milling, conservation, transformation, etc.
The definition of appropriate strategies, lines of action and operational practices for a sustainable and friendly environment with nature and oriented to human development capable of impacting competitiveness, should be designed according to economic and social development and the specific needs within each country. considering the following:
- Agricultural development contributes to the social and economic development of the country Greater prosperity and high standards of living are essential for agricultural development. Raising competitiveness in agrifood chains can boost prosperity for all actors in the chain. Factors that affect the productivity of the The chain are components of the system and must be perfected to increase competitiveness. Factors that affect productivity are multiple at the micro and macroeconomic levels and are interrelated dynamically with agro-industrial chains as part of complex and dynamic subsystems.According to Porter (2003) effective actions also depend on the improvement of quality in the macroeconomic environment of business on the development (boost of capacity and effectiveness) of the strategies and operations of the companies, taking into account the multidisciplinarity and the nature of the components of the companies. Food quality and security, cost effectiveness and commercial successes are all indicators of productivity. They can grow by improving business development and economic climate. These indicators can represent the additional effect of the systems and give possibilities for more competitive action.Cost effectiveness and business successes are all indicators of productivity. They can grow by improving business development and economic climate. These indicators can represent the additional effect of the systems and give possibilities for more competitive action.Cost effectiveness and business successes are all indicators of productivity. They can grow by improving business development and economic climate. These indicators can represent the additional effect of the systems and give possibilities for more competitive action.
One way to visualize the implementation of more effective strategies for each country may be to seek opportunities for food security and quality and use forms of competitive momentum with local participation and adjusting to the conditions of the internal market. Likewise, consider the forms of culture and priority needs and provide satisfactors supported with a flexible quality and safety that adapt to environmental conditions and to doing business.
It is necessary to know the origin of the forces behind consumer demand and understand if the true processes and requirements represent the needs of the client, or if behind their needs is the influence of national and international industries, including supermarket chains. with its new forms of distribution, advertising practices, massive credit growth, aggressive sales strategies, which can influence the market.
Considerations that suggest the presence of a quality beyond the standards of some methodological verification traditionally referred to control involving interrelated systems and subsystems as well as technology, business ability, economic and social implications that generate a cyclical domino effect where the subsystems are not prepared to absorb potential incremental costs due to high quality parameters or standards. Many people may want and even demand quality products and defend their position, however, not necessarily being prepared to pay for it. It is known that the production costs and the drive to be competitive have been affected by the new international regulations (OECD,1999) that compel companies to choose between complying with standards and obtaining benefits.
The agri-food industry is recommended as a strategy for quality to comply with the following steps that are the result of the set of proposals by different authors (Box et al., 1978, Schimmelpfenning and Norton, 2003, Golan, et al 2004):
- Strengthen the technical, managerial, and commercial capacities of the actors in the food chain and all aspects related to quality and competitiveness, including the development of information that supports decision-making. Increase productivity through the correct use of the Available technology and develop chains with advantages and benefits between producers, industrialists and merchants and with other actors in the food subsystems. Institutional strength, capacity as an economic and political necessity that includes:
- Policy formulation and establishment of institutional capacity and services for rural agribusiness. Development of basic social services that include financial aspects, communications, transportation, and education, as components of rural development programs. Development of technological infrastructure, including research and development. and ability to help technology transfer and efficient extension of services. (contribution from universities, technical schools, relations with the private sector). Development of market infrastructure including information. Macroeconomic and commercial development, investment and trade, agro-industrial production and export policies, financial programs, design of information systems in favor of competitiveness.Develop initiatives of groups of food chain agents and motivate innovation and comprehensive development, promoting rivalry between actors with better strategies through the promotion of incentives and commercial interdependence. Protect the sustainable environment with interventions that promise the use of renewable energy and the reduction of pollutants.
Regarding the agro-industrial network or cluster regarding the improvement of business aspects:
- Studies on quality systems and agri-food security Business skills on demanding markets of high quality Feasibility of studies of agro-industrial reengineering production to ensure quality and competitive momentum Implementation of total quality control systems Skills development to achieve cost effectiveness that meet with regulations and standards Conduct training in quality and food safety culture including technique, economic and commercial aspects Carry out market and consumer studies on the trend of food quality and safety Generate and distribute quality information and food security and contribute to its improvement.
Technological development aspects of the food industry
- Promote the improvement and hygienic and technological practices in classification, process, packaging, transport and storage. Lead the design, construction and sanitary use of equipment and facilities. Lead the development, maximization, validation, analysis and control of processes with prevention aimed at ensuring the quality.Perfect and guarantee the quality of raw materials including the application of good practices in agricultural products.Apply combined preservation techniques.Perfect and guarantee the quality and safety of materials in the processes of entry and finished articles through the application of good practices. handling and manufacturing.
Develop and apply effectiveness, low cost, technologies and packaging materials that are friendly to the preservation of nature.
In cases where segregation can be attributed to the presence of genetically modified organisms, the requirements or modifications that allow the identification of the required information and establish general guidelines for the field of study must be identified. The approach to this type of systems proposes the bases for segregation and traceability projects that are described below (Cuevas 2003)
- Perfect non-microbiological quality factors Identify the essential components of the system Characterization of the relationships between the components Knowledge of the properties of the system considering that it is dynamic, evolutionary, complex and with a common objective.
As an innovation to the methodology widely accepted by the management system on food security HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) (FAO, 1998 and FAO / WHO, 2003), consistent modifications to the following principles are proposed by the FAO.
- Assemble the systems analysis as a team project Describe grain objectives and identify their destination use and commercial requirements according to the Cartagena Protocol, trade standards and current limits Construct flow diagrams of business chains and confirm current diagram flows and of potential capacities and operational procedures. List and analyze all potential risks associated with each part of the grain chain, conduct a risk analysis for contamination of non-GM grains with GM grains and consider some control measure identifying risks. Determine critical points. of control, which is where the loss of self-segregation can occur.Establish limits for each critical control point based on current market conditions and commercial regulations or requirements that are defined or adopted based on agreements. Establish a monitoring system for each critical control point and throughout the chain, where traceability is a key element Establish corrective actions, what to do with segregated security chains, and comply with agreements Establish verification procedures, based on updated information on GMO detection technologies Create and continuously obtain information on traceability systems.where traceability is a key element Establish corrective actions, what to do with segregated security chains, and comply with agreements Establish verification procedures, based on updated information on GMO detection technologies Create and continuously obtain information on traceability systems.where traceability is a key element Establish corrective actions, what to do with segregated security chains, and comply with agreements Establish verification procedures, based on updated information on GMO detection technologies Create and continuously obtain information on traceability systems.
To assess competitiveness in each link of the chain using appropriate tools and methodologies for each objective, FAO proposes analysis factors for global competitiveness in the fruit value chain. Each space in Table No.1 will be filled with a rating of H = High; M = Medium, L = Low according to the position it occupies in front of the competition.
In order to achieve competitive business investment projects Cuevas R (2004, Bulletin 156) proposes factors that can solve the problems that exist in the processes of the agri-food chain and ways to help decision makers find niches for their markets. The proposed variables are as follows:
- Technical aspects Market aspects Financial aspects Management aspects
GAPs and GMPs
Although HACCPs have limited utility in the production of fresh fruits and vegetables, they are a useful process for reducing risks when processing products. (FDA, 2001). If fruits and vegetables are intended to be eaten fresh, there are no measures that can eliminate or reduce biological hazards to acceptable levels after contamination. Pollution can be controlled through Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
Programs such as GAPs, GMPs and HACCP provide the basic operational and environmental conditions necessary for the production of safe and healthy fruits and vegetables. (FAO / WHO, 1997).
Food safety represents the guarantee that food will not cause harm to consumers when it is prepared and / or eaten according to its intended use (FAO / WHO, 1997). Thus, the guarantee of food safety implies the reduction of risks that may arise with food. A product can be of quality if it has the capacity to satisfy explicit or implicit needs, however, it can be unsafe if it is contaminated with undetected pathogenic organisms, chemical products or physical risks.
The production of food products requires that the security guarantee system be built on solid foundations. GAPs and GMPs offer guidelines that provide a robust safety program (FDA, 1998).
- By ensuring a clean and safe working environment for all employees.Eliminating the potential for contamination of food products.When applied to the production of fresh produce, it focuses on issues of site selection, adjacent land use. To the use of fertilizers. Quality and use of water. Pest control and pesticide monitoring. Harvest practices (including worker hygiene), Packaging, storage. Hygiene from the field to the transport of the product.
The International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Foods established in 1986 that "GAPs in production combined with acceptable hygienic methods during harvest, packaging and transportation of vegetables are more important than microbiological testing" in minimizing the risks of microbial contamination from fresh produce (Food Science Australia, 2000).
Agroindustries in mexico
The concept of agro-industry supposes the vertical integration of the processes of conservation and transformation of agricultural production. The horizontal aggregation of productive resources and the vertical integration of production processes that are capable of taking advantage of the labor available in the agricultural sector, increasing their productivity and generating surpluses for their capitalization continues. (Martínez de NI, Restrepo, FI, Zamora, M de EC, 1977, p.25)
The concept of agro-industry or peasant industry includes the processes of transformation of primary products from agriculture, which satisfy local regional needs; those of the national market and, in some cases, attending international consumption centers. (Gascón, 1977, p. 219)
The Agrarian Law establishes in its article 108 that the ejidos may form unions, whose purpose will include the coordination of productive activities, mutual assistance, commercialization or others not prohibited by the Law.
Ejido unions will be able to establish specialized companies that support the fulfillment of their objective and allow them optimal access to the integration of their production chain.
The ejidos and communities, in the same way, may establish companies for the use of their natural resources or of any kind, as well as the provision of services. Ejidatarios, groups of organized peasant women, children of ejidatarios, community members, residents and small producers may participate in them.
The companies referred to in the two preceding paragraphs may adopt any of the associative forms provided by law.
Article 110 provides that Rural Associations of Collective Interest may be constituted by two or more of the following persons: ejidos, communities, unions of ejidos or communities, rural production societies, or unions of rural production societies.
Its purpose will be the integration of human, natural, technical and financial resources for the establishment of industries, exploitation, commercialization systems and any other economic activities; They will have their own legal personality from their registration in the National Agrarian Registry , and when they are integrated with Rural Production Societies or with unions thereof, they will also be registered in the Public Registries of Rural or Commercial Credit (Agrarian Law, DOF, July 9, 1993)
Agro-industries aim at the industrial transformation of agricultural products to give them greater added value..They establish measures and techniques for the handling and treatment of agricultural products, both for entering the market fresh and for further processing. In both cases, given the perishable nature of these products, it is necessary to regulate their entry into the consumer market in order to avoid the action of speculators, since their massive attendance contributes significantly to the derangement of their prices.
The agrochemical industry aims to supply fertilizers and pesticides to agriculture, and is linked as a supplier of inputs, however it is not part of agro-industries. (González, CM 1977, p. 210)
Integrating companies. The Federal Government, with the interest of promoting regional development poles that generate employment and stable incomes, has proposed the creation of integrating companies with experiences in the country that are not very pleasant, which are sustained temporarily while receiving government support, but at the Suspension of financing, advice and government support, structural competitive disadvantages cause the participants involved to progressively contract their activities and finally disappear due to the lack of policies that promote systemic competitiveness. A last alternative is the creation of incubators for the creation of agricultural businesses, which, being in the hands of the private financial system, establishes itself as a relatively profitable business, mainly for banks,since they will only lend to clients with attractive businesses that offer expectations of growth and ability to pay.
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Segregation: Refers to foods characterized as GMOs, (genetically modified organisms) and that some countries or consumers are not willing to consume, demanding traceability evaluation systems that guarantee that they are acquiring healthy products.
Traceability. It is a preventive strategy that some companies take on the quality and safety of the food they sell, documenting their production and distribution processes to guarantee the consumer the origin, location, history and life of the products (Linus U. Opara, December 2002)
