The impact of quality certifications in the global agricultural value chain: the case of fresh fruits in Brazilian Northeast

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to investigate the role of certifications in the coordination of the global chains of fresh fruits, highlighting more specifically the case of tropical fruits produced in the Petrolina-Juazeiro and Açú-Mossoró irrigated areas located in the Northeast region of Brazil. Over the past few decades, there has been a growing relevance of the performance of certification stamps in fresh produce chains. This movement is introduced by supermarket chains that have established procedures to be adopted within the agents inside of the global chains of fresh produce. Therefore, this work is based on the following research questions: what has been the role played by certifications in the global chains of fresh fruits produced in the Northeast? To answer such questions, this paper works on Economics of Quality, specially on certifications and their impacts on the coordination of global fresh fruit chains. In addition, secondary data were collected from statistical bases, as well as, a field survey was performed. It was noted that certifications play a central role in the chain of fresh fruit production in the Northeast since it defines the technical standards and ethical standards of production, as well as, it can appropriate the quasi-rents generated within the chain.