The quality strategy covers the entire food chain

 

In Finland, the parties to the entire food production chain have jointly devised a national quality strategy for the production of foodstuffs. The quality strategy consolidates the strengths of the Finnish food production chain: safety, dependability and openness. Consumer oriented quality development requires consistent and sustainable development work.

 

The quality strategy is co-ordinated by a quality management board set up by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, which represents the entire food production chain: producers, advisors, industry, trade, consumers, research and administration, along with other representatives of the food product cluster. This has served to ensure consumer oriented activities and a uniquely extensive commitment to objectives. As a result of the national strategy, all farms, agricultural input production, as well as the food industry, trade and transportation will be part of systematic quality work and certifiable systems by the year 2006.

 

The national quality strategy is an indication of the willingness of all parties of the food production chain to commit to common objectives. All parties of the food production chain operate openly, transparently and honestly. Each party will take responsibility for their own share in such a way that food safety is maintained and quality developed in accordance with sustainable principles. A well-functioning co-operation between the different parts of the production chain is important, as quality work requires long-term efforts. Only through such efforts can the competitiveness of the entire chain be increased.

 

Finnish competitiveness is based largely on a high standard of research and on the education founded upon it. In all stages of the production chain, first class research as well as advisory activities and professionalism all support the second level of the quality ladder and the national objectives associated with it. Finland is also a pioneer in the utilisation of high-tech innovations and information technology applications. Know-how at its best can be seen in the professionalism of Finnish agricultural entrepreneurs, which is upheld by varied and focused training. In 1999, already more than 4000 farmers have received quality system training for the operation of their farm.

 

Farms

develop, with the help of quality strategies and other quality work, the quality of their products and operation together with their contract partners. Thousands of farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs have already taken part in quality training and are developing their activities with the help of tools provided by quality work. In addition to this, over 90% of farms have undertaken to implement the agri-environmental programme.

 

Production input and food industry

ensures, with the help of environmental control and quality systems, that quality materialises in all phases of production, from the acquisition of raw materials to the finished food product. The maintenance of quality involves the training of personnel, the development of technology and an emphasis on research and product development. The objective of the production input and food industry is for all companies large and small to use certifiable food product quality and environmental systems by the year 2006.

 

Trade

ensures that food products meet consumer quality requirements, that assortments are sufficient and that services develop continuously. The quality objectives of the trade sector include the ability to respond to demand, to guarantee the safety of foodstuffs, to act in accordance with the principles of sustainable development, and to increase the degree of openness. The objective is for all national commercial companies to have well-functioning quality and environmental systems which cover their logistics and trade by the year 2006.

 

Officials

maintain the development of the quality of food products at the forefront of all decision-making, and create favourable conditions for the development of food quality of foodstuffs, the progress of quality work and competitiveness. Officials channel resources into research, training, control,  communication, and agricultural quality work. The Finnish Government is also committed to the development of quality work, which encompasses the entire food production chain.

 

Consumers

indicate through their choices whether or not the quality work has been successful. Consumers have therefore participated in the formulation of the national quality strategy. For consumers, the high quality of foodstuffs translates first and foremost into freshness and taste. Other important factors include the lack of additives, hygiene, the degree of organic production, appearance and information about the origin of the product. More and more attention is being paid to the ethical aspects and environmental consequences of food production. The consumer must receive enough information about products from product labels, as well as information on nutrition and healthy eating habits. Consumer representation in quality strategy work serves to guarantee that consumer wishes and opinions are continually taken into consideration.

 

Quality consists of several factors

 

The quality work of the Finnish food industry is based on a common set of values to which all parties are committed. Food production is developed in accordance with consumer needs, in an ecological and ethical way. The whole chain acts on the basis of the fulfilment of consumer demands. In order to attain production based on sustainable development; environmentally sound and cost-reducing production methods need to be employed, nature has to be respected, and the limitations and requirements of the environment taken into consideration. The result is an operating method that covers the entire chain of production, whilst simultaneously being ecologically and ethically acceptable.

 

Involved in quality development

 

The quality management board is responsible for developing and controlling all areas related to food quality, as well as for the organisation and execution of the national quality strategy. There are 20 different Finnish organisations involved. 

 

Agricultural Research Centre of Finland

Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners

Fertiliser and Plant Protecting Agent Industry

Finfood Organic Farming Marketing Project

Finfood – Information Centre of Food in Finland

Finnish Food Industries Federation

Finnish Food Marketing Association

Finnish Foodstuff Workers’ Union

Finnish Consumers’ Association

Finnish Horticultural Products Association

Horticulture Association

Ministry of the Environment

Ministry of Trade and Industry

National Food Administration

National Veterinarian and Food Research Institute

Organic Farming Association

Rural Advisory Centres

Svenska Lantbruksproducenternas Centralförbund

University of Helsinki, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry