AN INTELLIGENT DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR HORTICULTUE

 The objective of this research was to develop an intelligent decision support system for optimization of horticulture supply chain model using genetic algorithms. The case study was conducted at PT. Saung Mirwan, Megamendung-Bogor, a major producer of packed fresh vegetable and fresh-cut vegetable. The output of this research is an Intelligent Decision Support System of Supply Chain Management for Horticulture Agro industry (IDSS-SCM). IDSS-SCM consists of eight models: Products Demand Forecast, Vegetables Supply Forecast, Planting Schedule, Aggregate Planning, Material Requirements Planning I, Material Requirements Planning II, Inventory Management, and Transportation Route. Based on the most recent data collected, IDSS-SCM predicts that product demand will increase and it then gives optimum recommendations to the user such as plant schedule, material requirements planning, inventory, human resource allocation, and distribution route to fulfil the demand. The unique feature of this research was that a genetic algorithm (GA) with Partially Matched Crossover (PMX) operator was used to find the shortest distribution route as well as to optimize human resource allocation problem. The experiment results indicate that the GA developed in this research can solve a complex agroindustrial supply chain design problem faster and more efficiently. Keywords: intelligent decision support system, genetic algorithms, supply chain management, agroindustry, partially matched crossover

Innovation and Governance in International Food Supply Chains: The Cases of Ghanaian Pineapples and South African Grapes

This paper reports an exploratory case study on innovation in, and governance of, international supply chains originating in developing countries. Two African fruit export chains are analyzed: the table grape chain from South Africa (a highly developed chain) and the pineapple chain from Ghana (a newly emerging chain). The most important market for both chains is the EU. The two cases present complementary perspectives on international supply chain development. The paper shows that Western demands in these cases lead to innovation at the producer end of the international supply chain and changes in governance structures towards chain coordination and vertical integration.international supply chains, innovation, governance, developing countries., Agribusiness, International Development, International Relations/Trade, Production Economics, Productivity Analysis,

U.S. Fresh Produce Wholesale Sector Trade Practices: Initial Survey Results

The wholesale sector is an intermediate stage in the supply chain of fresh produce. In general, business operations in this sector do not transform a specific product, but rather provide services related to the sale of the product. The term 'wholesaler' refers to all merchants that are part of this intermediate stage in the supply chain; namely, wholesale merchants, distributors, jobbers, shippers, import/export merchants, agents, brokers, commission merchants, and other types of intermediaries (US Census 2004). This definition of wholesalers, however, does not accurately depict all the activities and relationships participants in this supply chain sector develop. Hence, in order to be consistent with a correct terminology and to understand the results presented in this report, the use of 'intermediaries' throughout this paper refers to all participants including grower-shipper/distributors, brokers, custom service providers and wholesalers.Agribusiness,

Organic produce from the Republic of South Africa. Exploring the conditions for enhancing trade in organic vegetables, fruit and wine

Conditions for enhancing the trade in organic products between the Netherlands and the Republic of South Africa were assessed by means of a SWOT analysis, based on information acquired through interviews and desk research. There is a large potential to enhance the trade in organic products between the two countries, although the following issues need to be addressed: the finalisation of the RSA legislation on organic production (which will enable large enough volumes to be produced and traded), skills development and the presence of an effective platform for organic production in the RS

Strengthening Backward and Forward Linkages in Horticulture: Some Successful Initiatives

Indian horticulture sector is constrained by low productivity, high cost of production, huge post-harvest losses, inefficient supply chain and poor market intelligence. The present paper has brought forward two case studies of SAFAL Market and Namdhari Fresh which have been successful in over-coming the constraints that horticulture sector is facing in India for fresh fruits and vegetables. Some new marketing initiatives along with the existing supply chain inefficiencies have been highlighted to help formulate strategy and policy to achieve the much-desired second green revolution through horticulture growth.Agribusiness, Crop Production/Industries,

How can the poor benefit from the growing markets for high value agricultural products?

This paper aims to identify critical areas for trade, marketing, capital market development and regulatory reforms that can facilitate the integration of small-scale farmers (small-scale farmers) in domestic, regional and global markets for high-value agricultural (HVA) products in particular high value crops, livestock, fish and non timber forest products in a sustainable manner and to increase and diversify the incomes of small-scale farmers in the long-run. The paper places particular emphasis on the issues that may need to be addressed through research and development undertaken by the international, regional and national research communities.high-value agricultural commodities; agri-food marketing; agricultural research and development

Supply chain management, 3rd party logistics & food quality & safety: evidence from Greece

The aim of this study was to examine whether or not the efficiency of the supply chain management affect the food quality & safety. We focused upon transportation, warehousing, and inventory management. We also examined why food companies choose to outsource logistics functions such as transportation and warehousing and to what extent outsourcing affected food quality & safety. We conducted a large scale quantitative survey during January to March 2005. We faxed 400 questionnaires to Greek food companies with more than 5 personnel. We got 79 usable questionnaires (response rate 19.8%). The data analysis showed that food companies have no doubt that improving food quality means increased market share and profits. Transportation & warehousing are the main cost drivers. The most significant problems of the logistics function are: (1) re-occurring failures to quality control (2) overdue expiration date (3) inefficiencies in product sorting and handling. 44% of the companies have a logistics department. 35% of companies reported that prefer to get 3rd party logistics; most of them are SMEs. 50% of Greek food companies have acquired ISO certification in production, transportation and warehousing. ISO 14001 is rarely used. Almost all companies reported that training of personnel is a factor of improving food quality