Quality in agriculture – more than a differentiator

Regardless of the link in the agri-food chain, the qualitative aspect of the product of agricultural origin is increasingly important. For both the domestic and foreign markets, quality is fundamental. Quality control in agriculture can guarantee healthier food, more sustainable cultivation practices and a set of other actions that add value to products, in addition to helping producers gain their place among consumers. For most products, both of animal and vegetable origin, there are qualitative, measurable parameters that allow the product to be classified.

An example is cotton, as important as productivity is the quality assessed by a set of fiber characteristics. Therefore, for each way cotton is used, a set of characteristics must be presented that meet the demands of the textile industry. Characteristics such as fiber fineness, length, uniformity, resistance, among others, are characteristics that define the quality of the product, and in some cases may lead to some type of price discount at the time of sale.

The quality of the fiber affects several aspects, from yarn production to the dyeing of a fabric. The presence of certain species of weeds can also negatively affect the quality of the product. An example in the case of animal production is beef, where aspects such as the breeding system, age at slaughter, thickness of the fat layer, marbling, diameter of the rib eye, among others, are characteristics required by the industry. refrigerator to meet consumer demand.

With the examples above, it is clear how important the issue of quality is. But that's not all, especially for the foreign market, for example, the quantity of seeds of other species in soybeans is analyzed. In some cases, just one seed from species other than soybeans is enough for a shipment to be refused by the buyer. Especially when you want to conquer markets, it is essential to worry about the qualitative aspects of the product, which are also fundamental for partner loyalty. In the case of products of agricultural origin, many qualitative configurations are defined in the field, so measures must be taken to prevent product deterioration during the harvesting, processing and storage process.

Still using the example of cotton, the moment of harvest, the harvesting operation and processing can cause damage. The temperature and drying time of stored grains can also negatively affect the quality of a product. In addition to the intrinsic aspects of quality, external aspects are also used to establish the standard and value of the product. If the external appearance of a certain product, especially fruit, detracts from its characteristics, it may have no commercial value, as the consumer does not accept such merchandise.

Product quality may have different perceptions throughout the chain, that is, requirements regarding quality may undergo quantitative and qualitative variations throughout the chain. In the case of an agricultural item, quality begins to be defined in the field. Therefore, appropriate agricultural practices must be considered when thinking about quality, such as: sowing time, plant population, fertilization, weed, pest and disease management. The sowing time has an impact on both the quantitative and qualitative aspects of production. If, at the time of cotton harvesting or when wheat and beans mature, there are prolonged and intense rains, the condition of the product to be harvested may be severely compromised. It is worth remembering that sowing time is a zero-cost production factor. Machines used in the harvesting and processing process, if not properly regulated, can compromise the quality of the product. The use of chemical products in greater quantities and out of season can negatively affect the quality of the product and, in this case, also the health of the consumer, especially, but not only, in products consumed fresh.

In addition to the aspects already discussed and their main effects on product quality, other factors must also be considered. The issue of animal welfare is becoming increasingly important. Thus, the way in which the animal was raised, transported and slaughtered is now considered by the consumer. A very illustrative example is the issue of egg production by hens kept in cages or free range. Consumers are beginning to prefer eggs from free-range chickens. Ensuring the best quality control practices in agriculture goes beyond competitive advantage. It is a matter of public health, ethics and respect for the environment. Previously, concerns were very focused on quantitative aspects, therefore, this was the most important. However, nowadays, quality is as important or more important than quantity. It is important to highlight that quality must be considered throughout the production process of a product of plant or animal origin. Aspects relating to the use and conservation of soil and water are very important when thinking about quality.

By Fernando Mendes Lamas, researcher at Embrapa Agropecuária Oeste