Agribusiness and primary industries Books

Book Synopsis"In 2001-2002, the EU Phare Business Support Programme funded an inter-country project dealing with strengthening of cattle breeders associations as business representative organisations in eight then EU candidate countries: Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. Breeders associations from Austria, Germany and Italy also participated in the project, while the European Association for Animal Production acted as the project leader. The project also known under its acronym as BABROC aimed at facilitating the integration of the cattle industries in the Central and Eastern European countries in the EU system and at improving quality of services provided by breeders associations to their members. The present publication contains invited papers for the international workshop on the image of cattle industry and its products, held in Verona, Italy 8 March 2002. Technical papers as well as statements made by Messrs. J. Fischler, EU Commissary, and G. Alemanno, Italian Minister of Agriculture, deal with expectations of consumers regarding the safety and quality of cattle products as the basic message for all involved in the cattle industry."Table of ContentsPreface; Welcome address by Dr. Franz Fischler 1; Speech by the Italian Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Giovanni Alemanno 3; Presentation by AIA's Chairman, Mr. Nino Andena 5; Registry system in each EU country 7; J. Claus; Specificity, DPO, PGI, traceability and labelling of beef 13; R. Pieri; Consumers perception of cattle products: A statement from the Austrian point of view 23; J.A. Lederer; Production and consumption in CEE countries in the light of EU integration: expectations and prospects 29; M. Zjalic, F. Habe and S. Pistoni; Cattle sector and production image in the EU: The case of Italy 45; A. Nardone and P.P. Fraddosio; Conclusions by AIA's Vice-Chairman, Giuseppe Pantaleoni 73.

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Book SynopsisThe rapid and reliable detection of biological and chemical contaminants is extremely important in managing the safety of food and feed. "Rapid Methods" is a comprehensive reference resource for anyone interested in this subject. Developments in analytical techniques have led to the emergence of a wide range of rapid methods to complement the traditional methods. At the same time, the importance of method validation, proficiency testing, quality management, sampling and legislation have all become more widely recognised. "Rapid Methods" presents a firm base and structured framework for considering rapid analysis of biological and chemical contaminants in food and feed. The various chapters concentrate on the state of the art in rapid methods in regards to: legislation, sampling, method validation, microbial pathogens, biological materials like GMOs and allergens, toxins like bacterial food poisoning toxins, marine toxins and biogenic amines, chemicals like veterinary drugs, pesticides and dioxins. The editors firmly believe that the very nature of the theme, the excellence of the peer-reviewed papers and the holistic approach chosen in this book will draw an audience from both the food and feed industry as well as from the scientific community.Table of ContentsForeword 7; Why rapid testing? 19; F.P. Scanlan; Abstract 19; 1. Introduction 19; 2. From lab to line 20; 3. Off-line rapid methods 22; 4. Microbiological testing 22; 5. Chemical testing 24; 6. Market for rapid tests 27; 7. Conclusions 28; Acknowledgements 29; A European approach to validation and certification of rapid microbiological methods 31; R. Betts; Abstract 31; 1. Method choice 31; 2. What is validation? 32; 3. Why is validation required? 32; 4. Types of validation 33; 5. Third party validation schemes 34; 6. EN ISO 16140 - What does it require? 35; 7. Certification of alternative methods 35; 8. Importance of EN ISO 16140 36; References 38; Sampling and sample preparation: An underestimated issue? 39; M.C. Spanjer; Abstract 39; 1. Introduction 39; 2. Mycotoxins 40; 3. Pesticides 48; 4. Genetically modified food 53; 5. Future developments 55. 6. Conclusions 59; Acknowledgements 60; References 61; Rapid methods and EU legislation 65; F. Verstraete; Abstract 65; 1. Current legislation as regards methods of analysis and feed legislation 65; 2. Current legislation as regards methods of analysis and food contaminant legislation 68; 3. Reporting and interpretation of analytical results 71; 4. Specific reference in current EU legislation to the use of rapid screening methods in the frame of official control 73; 5. The new Official Feed and Food Control Regulation 79; 6 The new Hygiene Regulations on Food and Feed 82; 7. Concluding remarks as regards the use of rapid screening methods 83; References 84; Advances in biosensors for detection of pathogens in food and water 85; R. O'Kennedy, P. Leonard, S. Hearty, S. Daly, P. Dillon, J. Brennan, L. Dunne, A. Darmaninsheehan, S. Stapleton, E. Tully, J. Quinn and T. Chakraborty; Abstract 85; 1. Introduction 85; 2. Surface plasmon resonance 89; 3. Resonant mirror-based devices 91; 4. Miniature Texas Instruments-SPR device 91; 5. Detection of bacteria using SPR 92; 6. Affinity maturation of recombinant antibodies 96; 7. Antibody utilisation in sensors 97; 8. Recent approaches to the detection of Listeria using antibody-based SPR sensor assays 97; 9. Biochips and arrays 99; Conclusions 100; Acknowledgements 100; References 101. Simple and rapid bacterial protein and DNA diagnostic methods based on signal generation with colloidal carbon particles 105; A. van Amerongen and M. Koets; Abstract 105; 1. Introduction 105; 2. Materials and methods 108; 3. Results 111; 4. Discussion 118; 5. Conclusions 123; Acknowledgements 124; References 124; A rapid nucleic acid detection method for specific bacteria: The case of Listeria monocytogenes 127; T. Wikman, K. Antonen, T. Korpimaki, T. Lovgren and J. Nurmi; Abstract 127; 1. Introduction 127; 2. Materials and methods 130; 3. Results 131; 4. Discussion 132; 5. Conclusions 134; Acknowledgements 134; References 134; Norovirus in food and water: Isolation and quantification 135; H. Schnerr, A. Knight, P. Patel, M. Carter, M. Adams and A.P. Wyn-Jones; Abstract 135; 1. Introduction 135; 2. Materials and methods 137; 3. Results 140; 4. Discussion 145; 5. Conclusions 147; Acknowledgements 148; References 148. Novel molecular and biochemical techniques for quality control and monitoring in the agrofood production chain 151; C.D. Schoen, M. Szemes, P.J.M. Bonants, A. Speksnijder, M.M. Klerks, P.H.J.F. van den Boogert, C. Waalwijk, J.M. van der Wolf and C. Zijlstra; Abstract 151; 1. Introduction 152; 2. Plant-related organisms in agrosystems 152; 3. Method requirements for detection and identification 155; 4. Methods for detection and identification 155; 5. Conclusions 167; Acknowledgements 169; References 169; Rapid detection methods for GMOs: Developments and harmonisation in the European Union 177; C. Paoletti, M. Ermolli, S.R.H. Langrell and G. Van den Eede; 1. Introduction 177; 2. Definition and requirements 177; 3. Protein-based GMO detection methods 178; 4. Sampling 180; References 181; Detection of allergens in food: ELISA, PCR and the multi-allergen screening assay 183; B. Popping, K. Schneede, S. Koelln, A. Pardigol, A. Dan and D. Pinero; Abstract 183; 1. Introduction 183; 2. The labelling history 184; 3. Hidden allergens 185; 4. The analysis 186; 5. ELISA 186; 6. PCR/real-time PCR 188; 7. New developments 190; References 190. Rapid analysis of meat- and bonemeal in feed 193; R. Margry, S. van den Hoven, C. Gerris and B. Taraba; Abstract 193; 1. Introduction 193; 2. Materials and methods 195; 3. Results 196; 4. Discussion 204; 5. Conclusions 204; Acknowledgements 205; References 205; Policy on characterisation of antibodies used in immunochemical methods of analysis for mycotoxins and phycotoxins 207; J.M. Fremy and E. Usleber; Abstract 207; 1. Introduction 208; 2. General 208; 3. Types of antibodies 210; 4. Avidity-Affinity 211; 5. Specificity 212; Acknowledgements 215; References 217; Rapid detection methods for marine toxins: Needs and limits 219; S. Krys; Abstract 219; 1. Introduction 220; 2. The Mouse Bioassay (MBA): a consumer-protective method 222; 3. Another toxicological approach: the functional assays 223; 4. A structural approach: the immunochemical assays 224; 5. Conclusion 225; References 226; Rapid detection of bacterial food-poisoning toxins: A personal view 229; G.M. Wyatt; Abstract 229; 1. General considerations 229. 2. Some interesting examples of rapid methods for foodborne toxins 236; 3. Conclusions 243; Acknowledgements 243; References 243; Enzyme sensor array for the determination of biogenic amines 245; C. Wittmann; Abstract 245; 1. Introduction 245; 2. Materials and methods 247; 3. Results 250; 4. Discussion 254; 5. Conclusions 256; Acknowledgements 257; References 257; Rapid assays for detection of residues of veterinary drugs 259; A.A. Bergwerff; Abstract 259; 1. Introduction 260; 2. Analytical challenges 261; 3. Need for rapid diagnostic assays 262; 4. Analytical performance criteria 263; 5. Sample preparation 268; 6. Assay formats 272; 7. Detection 278; 8. Bioassays 279; 9. Conclusion 284; References 285; Rapid immunoassays for the detection of pesticides 293; M.F. Wilson and R.J. Fussell; Abstract 293; 1. Introduction 293; 2. Case study 1: lateral flow device (LFD) for tebuconazole 295; 3. Case study 2: generic antibody for organophosphate insecticides 298; 4. Future development 300; References 301. Rapid methods for dioxins in food and feed 303; P.A. Behnisch; Abstract 303; 1. Introduction 303; 2. Strong needs for rapid methods for dioxin analysis 308; 3. International intercalibration studies 315; 4. Crisis management using rapid methods 316; 5. Take-home messages and future outlook 316; References 318; Biosensor detection of sulfonamides: From specific to multi-sulfonamide assays 321; W. Haasnoot, M. Bienenmann-Ploum, T. Korpimaki, G. Cazemier, J. du Pre and F. Kohen; Abstract 321; 1. Introduction 321; 2. Biosensor systems 322; 3. Biosensor chips 325; 4. Antibodies 326; 5. Results 327; 6. Discussion 334; 7. Conclusions 335; Acknowledgements 336; References 336; Detecting trace levels of chlorophenols and chloroanisoles in wineries by immunodiagnostic techniques 339; B. Alfaro Redondo, B. Perez-Villarreal, S. Setford, C. Nicholls, L. Bourdin, J. Wijdenes and C. Vermot-Desroches; Abstract 339; 1. Introduction 339; 2. Materials and methods 341; 3. Results 350; 4. Discussion 356; 5. Conclusion 358; Acknowledgements 359; References 359. New and future at- and on-line sensors in food production: EU research results 361; F. Holm; Abstract 361; 1. Introduction 361; 2. Food sensor types and the sensor market 363; 3. EU food research - new findings 365; 4. Conclusions 375; Acknowledgements 376; Projects 376; References 378; Data management: A bottleneck or the ultimate success factor? 379; F.P.J.M. Leijse; Abstract 379; 1. Introduction 379; 2. Data management 380; 3. Compliance to standards and legislation 381; 4. Method validation and (automated) system validation 381; 5. Demonstrating compliance 382; 6. Why and when to validate a process or a system? 382; 7. A bottleneck or the ultimate success factor? 383; 8. Conclusion 384; References 385; Recommended literature 385; Key for tomorrow: Nanotechnology in food analysis 387; I.J. Bruce, T. Sen and A. del Campo; Abstract 387; 1. Introduction 387; 2. Some considerations concerning NST 388; 3. Current areas and interests involving nanotechnology 389; 4. Why bother with nanotechnology and testing (molecular diagnostics)? 391; 5. Economics (from the nanotechnology industry and service provider prospective) 391; 6. Health 394. 7. How can nanotechnology help in food analysis for purposes of identity testing (characterisation), contamination monitoring and to ensure salubrity? 395; 8. Some basic considerations in analysis (matching materials to applications) 396; 9. Public acceptance of new science and technology 406; 10. Conclusion 407; Useful and interesting reading 407; Websites 407; Index 409.

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Book Synopsis"This publication contains the proceedings of the 34th Biennial Session of the International Committee for Animal Recording (ICAR) and the Interbull Meeting held in Sousse, Tunisia from 28th May to 3rd June 2004.The book is divided in five sessions, containing in total 50 technical papers and reports. One key session debates the traceability and all subjects involved in animal health recording. This publication also presents, for the first time, the statistics of the ""Yearly inquiry on the situation of milk recording in ICAR member countries. Results for the years 2001 and 2002"" are up-dated to April 2004. About 35 pages are devoted to national milk productions, their recording costs, position of milk recording and the results of milk recording divided by breeds and are presented in easy to read tables. The main topics covered in this book are: - the latest genetic improvement techniques for the global dairy industry; - the potential to create an international beef evaluation system; - presentation of advancing new technical standards for identification, performance testing, as well as a discussion of global priorities for livestock management; - new tools to improve the fertility of dairy cows. New technologies have always been important in ICAR forums for members to understand and discuss. In this conference electronic identification and measurement, DNA recording, and internet services were debated, with an exchange of experiences by the delegates. Finally, new strategies for potential new services for the ICAR member organisations were discussed. One such proposal was for an international benchmarking service for measuring and comparing the activities of ICAR organizations."Table of ContentsOpening; Opening speech by the ICAR President 3; The President's report on the activities of ICAR since the last session M. Jeffries 5; Preface M. Guellouz 13; Session 1: Keynote presentations; Animal production in Tunisia M. Guellouz 17; New services for sustainable animal farming J. Stoll 29; Animal recording for low to medium input production systems M. Djemali 41; The role of breeders organisations in the BSE crisis P. Cunningham 49; Session 2.1: Morphology evaluation and recording of functional traits; The use of direct udder scanning to evaluate udder cistern size in dairy cows M. Ayadi & G. Caja 59; Image analysis and udder linear trait classification in dairy ewes Z. Abas, E.Sinapis, D. Roustemis, I. Hatziminaoglou, G. Banos & A. Pampoukidou 63; Technical assistance developments for fertility problems for Tunisian livestock systems: AIA and OEP cooperation C. D. Dago, P. Scrocchi, G. Marigliano & M. Guellouz 65; Genetic analyses of fertility parameters and their relations to milk yield of Holstein-Friesian cows in Tunisia M. Ben Hamouda, M. Ben M'rad & M. Hemdene 71; Use of the fat tail and body scores to estimate lamb weights in fat tailed meat sheep S. Bedhiaf Romdhani, N. Soumri & M. Djemali 77. Session 2.2: Performance recording for small ruminants; Constraints and challenges of growth recording in meat sheep S.B. Romdhani, M. Guellouz & M. Djemali 87; Minimum sequential records to adequately fit growth curve in fat-tailed Barbarine lambs and implications on genetic evaluation M. Ben Hamouda 91; Current challenge for milk recording in dairy sheep and goats: the simplification of milk sampling design for chemical composition and somatic cell counts of milk J.M. Astruc & F. Barillet 97; Milk recording for goats and dairy cattle in France: Individual qualification of the lactation C. Lecomte, S. Bazin, J. Delacroix & J.-P. Sigwald 103; The Sicilo Sarde dairy sheep in Tunisia: threats and strength L. Saadoun, S. Bedhiaf Romdhani, C. Darej & M. Djemali 109; Prediction of daily and total lactation milk yield of the Chios sheep from single milking records Z. Basdagianni, G. Banos, Z. Abas, G. Arsenos, G.E. Valergakis & D. Zygoyiannis 115; Evaluation and definition of reference lactation length in Chios dairy sheep Z. Basdagianni, G. Banos, Z. Abas, G. Arsenos, E. Sinapis, D. Zygoyiannis 115; Session 3.1: Performance recording of beef traits; A new information system for beef performance recording in France I. Boulesteix, L. Marguin, E. Rehben, B. Balvay, L. Journaux, R. Champy, E. Poisnel, G. Barthes & C. Bertrand 129; Implementing a PDA based field recording system for beef cattle in Ireland A. Grogan 133; Organisation of beef cattle recording and breeding in Hungary F. Szabo & S. Sebestyen 141; L'utilisation de PDA pour collecter les donnees du controle de performances des aptitudes boucheres C. Lecomte & S. Bazin 147; Advances in using nationally recorded data to address breeding objectives in beef cattle breeding J. van der Westhuizen, T. Rust & R.R. van der Westhuizen 153. Session 3.2: Performance recording of dairy cattle; Study of the milk somatic cell count in Tunisian dairy herds Y. Hachana & B. Haddad 159; Official milk recording with automatic milking systems: the italian situation P. Amodeo & A. Tondo 165; Methods of milk recording for 3-, 4-, and 6-times daily milking in Germany A. Wangler, F. Teuscher & O. Weiher 175; Trends in milk recording of the Holstein breed in Brazil C.N. Costa, N.M. Teixeira, A.F. Freitas, J.A. Cobuci & K. Haguihara 179; Argentine genetic evaluation. Results of bull performance D. Casanova, C.I. Andere, E.M. Rodriguez & P. Bergonzelli 185; Future changes in the organization of milk yield recording in Spain A. Martin, R. Bolivar, M. Castellanos, E. Ruiz de Villalobos 195; Organization of milk recording and milk quality control in Croatia K. Kuterovac, A. Dakioe, Z. Baraoe, M. Draioe & S Krnjak 201; Session 3.2: Scientific presentations; pH - A useful by-product in infrared analysis for DHI quality assurance A. Rensing 205; Simplification of milk recording in dairy cattle for low input systems H. Hammami, S. Bedhiaf Romdhani & M. Djemali 209; Detection of consequences of NEB based on milk production records of Dutch Black-and-White Holsteins R.M.G. Roelofs & G. De Jong 215; Comparison of protocols to estimate 24 hour percent fat and protein K. J. Hand, D. Lazenby, F. Miglior, & D.F. Kelton 219; Changes in milk yield and milk composition as a consequence of the omission of one milking weekly in dairy cows M. Ayadi, G. Caja, & X. Such 225; Benefits from daily milk recording data A. Bunger, K. Kuwan, F. Reinhardt, H.-U. Brahmstaedt & R. Reents 229; Milk Recording: a comparison of the T, Z and standard methods (Z = Milk yield recorded on 2 milkings and the Contents on one alternate milking) H. Leclerc, J. Delacroix, H. Larroque, Y Gallard & S. Mattalia 237. Dairy cattle performance recording in the context of integrated farming D. Chatziplis, A. Georgoudis & Ir. Kotroni 243; Modelling lactation curves for Irish dairy cows N. Quinn, L. Killen & F. Buckley 247; Deep frozen raw milk standards. The way from reference methods to reference systems C. Baumgartner & A. Landgraf 253; Session 4: Presentation of Sub-Committees, Task Force and Working Groups; Report of the activities of Sub Committees, Task Force and Working Groups J. Juga 261; Report of the Sub-Committee on Animal Identification R. Pauw 263; Report of the ICAR Working Group on Animal Recording Data F. Armitage 273; Report from Meters & Jars Sub Committee U. Lauritsen 277; Report of the ICAR Working Group on Lactation Calculation Methods F. Miglior, S. de Roos, Z. Liu, V. Darvishi, L.R. Schaeffer, A. Tondo & P. VanRaden 281; ICAR Working Group on Milk Testing Laboratories: Biennial report of activities in 2002-2003 O. Leray 285; Report of the Conformation Recording Working Group D. Hewitt 289; Report of the ICAR Working Group on Functional Traits E. Strandberg 291; Report on activities of the ICAR Beef Group H. J. Schild 293; Interbull Report for 2002 and 2003 J.C. Mocquot, U. Emanuelson, W.F. Fikse & J. Philipsson 299; ICAR Working Group on AI and other relevant technologies. Summary Report 2003-2004 A. Malafosse 309; Report of the Working Group on milk recording of sheep J.M. Astruc, F. Barillet, M. Fioretti, D. Gabina, E. Gootwine, A.P. Mavrogenis, F.J. Romberg, S.R. Sanna & E. Stefanake 315. Report of the Working Group on Goat Milk Recording D. Kompan, A. Cividini, M. Simcic & M. Klopcic 323; Report of the Genetic Analysis Working Group (GAWG) P. Ajmone Marsan 333; Session 5: Mixed session with emphasis on traceability and animal health recording; Establishing a shared cattle breeding database: Recent experiences in Ireland B.W. Wickham 339; Milk recording logistics H. van den Bijgaart & U. Lauritsen 343; The use of ICAR test procedures for electronic animal identification P.H. Hogewerf & R. Pauw 349; Implementation of animal identification and registration system with farm products traceability D. Pranic, Z. Fatovic, K. Kuterovac, A. Pezo & M. Drazic 353; Results of the IDEA project on cattle, sheep and goats in Spain O. San Miguel, G. Caja, R. Nehring, F. Miranda, J.A. Merino, V. Almansa & M.J. Lueso 357; Comparison of current costs of using conventional and electronic identification for sheep and goats in Spain C. Saa, M.J. Milan, G. Caja & J.J. Ghiradi 361; Harmonised protocol for the evaluation of milk analysers and their international approval for milk recording C. Baumgartner, H. van den Bijgaart, E. Brennel, O. Leray, U. Paggi, G. Psathas & J. Rhoads 365; Quarter milk flow patterns: possible effect on SCC V. Tancin, M. Uhrincat, S. Mihina, J. Bandosova & V. Foltys 369; Development of a Hanwoo (Korean Brown; a beef cattle) tracing system using RF technology in Korea Sidong Kim, Kangseok Seo, Junggyu Lee, Byeongwoo Kim & Minho Baek 373; Appendix A: Statistics. Yearly inquiry on the situation of milk recording in ICAR member countries. Results for the years 2001 and 2002 379.

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Book Synopsis"The introduction of a quota system has a large impact on the development of the agricultural sector, the agro-business and individual farms. In April 2004 the Central and Eastern European (CEE) Countries entering the EU had to implement a quota system for milk. It requires institution building, setting up administrative procedures, choices of the system, choice of priority groups, handling of butterfat reference, dealing with a national reserve, control aspects, quota transfer, farm management aspects and communication to farmers. All early attention at national levels has been given to the administrative aspects of milk quota systems. Communication to farmers about the system and the effects on farm management is often neglected. This publication hopes to fill this gap and wants to stimulate attention on farm management and extension efforts. It presents an overview of papers from ""old"" countries and country reports from new EU countries. They all contain information about expected structural changes due to the quota system, effects on farm management, extension needs in this area and challenges in years ahead. Impressions from 7 other CEE non EU countries are also included. This book gives an extensive and unique overview of the dairy situation in the Central and Eastern European countries in the year of the enlargement of the EU and a view into the future in this regard."

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Book Synopsis"This book brings together a rich collection of material on management and organization in agri-food chains and networks. Producers, processors, traders and retailers of agricultural and food products operate in an economic and institutional environment that is increasingly dominated by global developments. Therefore, organizing efficient and effective supply chains as well as managing collaboration among participating firms requires an international perspective. This book presents theoretical and practical insights from many different parts of the world. Topics covered include classical supply chain management issues like logistics, information exchange (e.g. tracking and tracing), quality control, safety assurance, and chain performance. Other timely issues covered are joint innovation, and shared responsibility for sustainability in agri-food supply chains. Special attention is given to issues of governance and organization of chains and networks, for example, by focussing on the role of producer organisations (such as farmer cooperatives) in their effort to combine horizontal and vertical collaboration in the international upply chain. This book is relevant for both academics and managers interested in the latest advances in research on management and organization of international agri-food chains and networks."Table of ContentsPreface, 7; Part 1. Introduction; Management and organization in international agri-food chains and networks, 15; J. Bijman, S.W.F. Omta, J.H. Trienekens, J.H.M. Wijnands and E.M.F. Wubben; Part 2. Governance; Does guanxi matter for vegetable supply chains in China? A case study approach, 31; H. Lu, J.H. Trienekens and S.W.F. Omta; Is more vertical integration the future of food supply chains? Empirical evidence and theoretical considerations from German pork production, 49; B. Schulze, A. Spiller and L. Theuvsen; Contracts in agribusiness: A survey in the Hungarian dairy sector, 65; G.G. Szabo and K. Bardos; Part 3. Horizontal collaboration; Producer groups as a form of entrepreneurship and a tool for strengthening the competitive position of private farms in Poland, 83; M. Adamowicz and M. Lemanowicz; The role of producer organizations in the process of developing an integrated supply chain; experiences from Quinoa chain development in Bolivia, 97; G. Ton and J. Bijman; Horizontal cooperation among small and medium-sized supermarkets as a tool for strengthening competitivenes, 113; F.A. Ghisi, D.P. Martinelli and T. Kristensen; Part 4. Supply Chain Management; Logistics outsourcing in food supply chain networks: Theory and practices, 135; H.I. Hsiao, J.G.A.J. van der Vorst and S.W.F. Omta; About the preparedness of dairy companies for ECR, 151; T. Obersojer and H. Weindlmaier. Using data mining to improve operations management in food supply networks, 163; Y. Li, M.R. Kramer, A.J.M. Beulens and J.G.A.J. van der Vorst; Tailored improvement of supply chain processes in agri-food networks, 179; M. Fritz and T. Hausen; Part 5. Power; A power-based approach to the analysis of the food system, 199; V. Sodano; Chain management challenges and market power in the Chinese fresh produce sector, 217; B.J. Revell and X. Liu; Bargaining power in mango supply chains: An experimental gaming approach, 231; G. Zuniga-Arias, S. Meijer, R. Ruben and G.J. Hofstede; Part 6. Performance; Modelling the recall costs of consumption milk in relation to time, 259; A.G.J. Velthuis, C. van Erve and M.P.M. Meuwissen; Alliances between wholesalers and retailers in the fresh vegetable industry, 269; J.H.M. Wijnands, W.B. Koot and S. Rosenkranz; Part 7. Quality, safety and sustainability; Hybrid forms in the supply of safe food, 287; G. Martino and C. Perugini; Quality assurance and vertical alliances: Case studies in the UK and Brazilian beef chains, 303; M.D. de Barcellos, G.C. Ferreira and L.M. Vieira; Vertical coordination, quality management and firm performance of the pork processing industry in China, 319; J. Han, J.H. Trienekens, T. Tan, S.W.F. Omta and K. Wang; Improving quality and ecological sustainability of natural resources in international supply chains: The role of market-based incentives, 333; E. Kambewa, P. Intenbleek, A. van Tilburg and I. van der Lans; Assessing and stimulating environmental pro-activeness in food supply chains, 343; D.J. Haverkamp, H.J. Bremmers and S.W.F. Omta. Part 8. Case studies; Mapping and quantification of the milk chain in Sao Paulo State, Brazil, 359; M.F. Neves, M.A. Consoli, F.F. Lopes, E.M. Campos and H.A.B. Paiva; Impacts of the rapid development of supermarkets on China's dairy industry, 373; D. Hu, F. Fuller and T. Reardon; Organizational learning in the context of an agri-food chain, 387; A.J. Dunne; Authors and affiliations, 403.

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Book Synopsis"This book is the fourth in the series of Food Safety Assurance and Veterinary Public Health, which presents the latest findings in research on the topics of food safety in the entire agrifood chain from stable to table. The themes in this volume cover a range of topics, including epidemiological monitoring and surveillance in primary production and processing of foods of animal origin, antimicrobial resistance and transfer in these foods, and risk modelling and management strategies. Finally, recent food legislation aspects are discussed. This volume is targeted to scientists in academia and industry, graduate students in veterinary and food science as well as to governmental officials in veterinary public health and food safety. The other publications in the Food safety assurance and veterinary public health series are: - Food safety assurance in the pre-harvest phase - Safety assurance during food processing - Risk management strategies: monitoring and surveillance"

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Book Synopsis"Throughout the last century, specialisation and intensification were buzz words for farmers in the Western world. However, this approach has not resulted in sustainable development as evidenced by the fact that scientists now need to create technologies to reduce negative impacts. In this book we demonstrate that an alternative exists. Case studies from Bangladesh, Thailand, and Vietnam show that integration and diversification increase both farm productivity and farmers’ incomes. By adopting a participatory approach, farmers and scientists identified a range of technologies that strengthen the positive impacts of integrated aquaculture-agriculture systems for the environment. This book is a collection of refereed papers on a controversial subject in agricultural development. Arguing that sustainability of fish culture in ponds needs a new paradigm - feed the pond to grow fish - two chapters focus on nutrient cycling in such systems. Another chapter makes the case for breeding Nile tilapia for resource poor farmers and presents practical options to avoid the pitfalls that arise from natural tilapia mating in low-input ponds. The book contains chapters on livelihood and development aspects and ends with a general discussion completing the picture of the integrated aquaculture-agriculture systems. Overall it composes a review which addresses one of the key issues of the new century: how to sustainably produce food without compromising environmental integrity."

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Book Synopsis"Using social, organisational and economic theories, this book develops an integrated research framework to demonstrate the effects of Chinese traditional guanxi networks on modern business relationships and market performance. It also compares the effects of guanxi networks between upstream and downstream partnerships and between traditional and high-value market outlets. It is recognised that quality and safety issues are the major constraints for Chinese vegetables entering into international markets. Primary producers face several bottlenecks such as small production scales, lack of market information and low negotiation power which leads to their exclusion by high-value market outlets such as supermarkets and international markets. Processing and exporting companies, on the other hand, experience instable delivery and inconsistent quality supply. As a result, they remain low-cost exporters in a low-quality segment of international markets. Different solutions for small-scale vegetable farmers, processing companies, exporting companies, and supermarkets in optimising their business performance are also covered. This book is of interest to professionals and practitioners involved in the design, management and assessment of national and international supply chains for perishable products in particular in transition economies."

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Book Synopsis"The role of producer organizations in market chains has received increasing attention in recent years, both from governments and donors. In order to lower transaction costs, markets demand that smallholder farmers operate in an organized manner. However, though the policy openings for support seem promising, smallholder market access through farmer-led economic organisations is not easy. This book presents various approaches to support producer organisations in terms of providing economic services to their members, with a focus on developing countries. Markets are increasingly fragmented in value chains that link farmers with specific processors, retailers and consumer segments. Several contributions in this book analyse these dynamics in specific value chains, such as the fair trade and organic agriculture and their potential to provide market outlets for smallholder farmers. This book is the result of a Dutch partnership between policy makers, researchers and practitioners designed to confront ideas with realities. Organized in a platform called Agri-ProFocus, members aim to provide more and better support to producer organisations in the South. Through so-called expert meetings, staff from donor organisations and knowledge centres, government officials, and business representatives, share their experiences and lessons learned. The experiences presented in this book are not recipes for instant success, but instead, highlight that support processes are often more fragile and slower moving than policy makers realise. This book is essential reading for scholars, practitioners and researchers interested in supporting and facilitating trajectories of change led by producer organisations in developing countries."

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Book Synopsis"This book develops an integrated research framework in which social science and natural science merge in the analysis of the relationships and transactions within the mango supply chain from Costa Rica. More specifically, behaviour economics, and institutional economics is combined with quality management and product development techniques. This book is also important because it uses an innovative gaming simulation for research and not only for training. The game develops a standard supply chain for a perishable product, which is used for simulating the bargaining power and revenue distribution of the agents in the chain and the governance structure preferred for doing business. This game simulation is played by the real producers in the field. Other important topics covered are quality management and quality variability. Studying quality management (intrinsic and extrinsic attributes) in relation to the farm household characteristics, production system and agreements, enables us to define some economic incentives to improve the quality of the produce. Studying the variability of the produce helps us understand and describe how the different management practices throughout the chain affects the quality of the produce. This relates to the market outlet choice the producers make and the strategic behaviour they have. This book is of interest for professionals and practitioners involved in the design, management and assessment of national and international supply chains for perishable produce."

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Book Synopsis"During the last decade, sector wide crises in agriculture have rapidly followed each other, resulting in serious consumer concerns about the quality and safety of agri-food products. To prevent new crises, governments have developed quality regulations and retailers have introduced quality management standards. However, concerns have been raised about the administrative burdens placed on firms, because they must comply with many private and public quality regulations. Therefore, both government and firms strive for more integration and self regulation of quality management systems. By combining managerial and economic theory, this study builds a framework to demonstrate the impact of integrated quality management on self regulation and performance. Using empirical evidence from the poultry meat, the fruit and vegetable and the flower and potted plant chains, this study shows that integrated quality management systems positively affect performance and self regulation. However, it is necessary to find committed partners that share the firm’s quality objectives. In most cases, too strict enforcement of quality requirements is destructive, initiates conflict and does not lead to higher performance. Furthermore, governmental agencies should focus on innovative approaches to assure quality. Not legislation, but factors such as media attention and corporate social responsibility enlarge the integration of quality management systems. This book is recommended for a broad audience of professionals, practitioners and policy makers who concern themselves with the design, management and assessment of quality management and self regulation in agri-food supply chains."

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Book SynopsisThe new Common Agricultural Policy, launched in 2003 and implemented since 2005, appears as a big change mainly due to the introduction of the Single Payment Scheme and the decoupling of subsidies from production. EU beef production is one of the sectors mostly affected by the existing CAP regulations. This book addresses what the impact could be on the future of European beef farming systems and in what ways could beef farmers adapt in order to ensure the sustainability of their farms. Within the Cattle Network Working Group of EAAP, a group of European economists, The Beef Task Force, composed of experts and researchers from a number of EU countries, engaged in a common project with the object of monitoring and developing studies on policy impact and farm strategy analysis. The BTF joined national studies into a common report, which is divided into four parts: the current picture of beef farming systems in Europe; CAP implementation at national level; first impact of reformed CAP on farming systems; future evolution of European beef production and land use. This book highlights disparities in CAP implementation and presents the main developments regarding EU beef farming systems: size increase, farm/regional specialization, adaptation to market requirements and, eventually, social expectations. It is of interest to policy makers and all those who concern themselves with the cattle industry.

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Book SynopsisInternational trade agreements and reforms of the European Common Agricultural Policy increase the importance of agricultural risk management as a means to stabilise farm incomes. 'Income stabilisation in European agriculture' addresses farm income and risk management issues from various perspectives. A cohesive work is brought together on historic income data, quantitative analyses of future policy scenarios, actual farmers' perceptions and an updated view on various risk management instruments. In-depth analyses focus on Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain. Overall findings are synthesised in policy recommendations for agricultural risk management in European agriculture. For academia, this publication brings together an interesting variety of quantitative and qualitative methods to understand and interpret risk management concepts in agriculture. For public and private stakeholders analyses and reflections can be used in debating the domain of policy reforms, risk exposure and risk management in European agriculture.

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