Ultimately, it has seen Pacific Hydroponics completely 'reinvented'. Here, he summarises the quality mechanisms which are of most importance to a food producer. Quality Assurance need not be a complicated, expensive process, but does require the commitment of the grower to incorporate quality programs into every part of the business. There are 3 distinct levels of QA system used in horticulture. The level of QA system required will be determined by the level of risk associated with the produce.
Most fresh produce is considered to be of low risk to the consumer.
However, those producers who process, value add, package or transform their produce on farm, will be considered to have a higher level of risk. An Approved Supplier Program - which is the simplest form of QA system. Developed by individual retail supermarket chains and some major agents, Approved Supplier Programs specify the minimum controls a grower must have over the purchasing, production, storage, packaging and handling processes on the farm. Each of the major retailers have their own program, which growers must set up on farm if they are to continue to supply produce to them. For most growers, an approved supplier program will be sufficient to satisfy their customer's requirements.