In 2002, the Israeli-based company Bio Bee
Biological Systems (Sde Eliyahu, Israel)
became the first producer of natural enemies
to obtain an ISO 9000 certificate.
Another method of certification is
through establishment of a voluntary indus-
try quality label, which is audited through
independent external auditors. There are
currently no concrete plans among the
European producers to develop such an
industry quality label, although the topic has
come up at several IBMA meetings and been
intensively debated.
Conclusions
Optimal product quality is in the interest of
the producers of natural enemies. Growers
quickly recognize a poor-quality product,
which is very often a reason for changing to
another supplier. Suppliers of structurally
poor-quality products are not able to remain
in business for a long time, but they often
cause harm for the method of biological con-
trol. Producers of natural enemies need to be
able to supply products of constant and con-
sistent quality to be successful in the market.
Regulation often leads to stronger rules
than originally intended. Over-regulation of
biological control risks severely damaging
the creative dynamics of this valuable alter-
native to chemical pesticides. Therefore
industry needs to impose a certain level of
self-regulation. By signing the IBMA Charter
of Principles, members of the IBMA commit
themselves to certain production ethics. The
next step might be to establish an industry
quality label that is audited by an indepen-
dent auditing company.
Assurance of consistent product quality
can be achieved through a combination of
professional production systems under suit-
able rearing conditions, experienced and
skilled production and research and devel-
opment professionals, implementation of
total quality management, development of
accurate and consistent packing techniques,
implementation of rigorous quality control,
development of labour-friendly quality con-
trol methods, use of suitable packaging for
transportation, short transportation times
through a reliable cooled chain, implementa-
tion of batch codes for tracking and tracing,
use of use-by dates and education and train-
ing of distributors and end-users.Development of Quality Control in Europe 223References
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