ESTABLISHING A QUALITY CERTIFICATION PROCESS WITHIN THE MARTINICAN PINEAPPLE INDUSTRY

Food security, environmental protection, product ‘traceability,’ and quality improvement are new societal demands that producers within the Martinican pineapple industry must recognize. An in-depth reengineering of pineapple production systems and a re-haul of the pineapple processing plants are being implemented to meet consumer demands. A more reasonable style of agriculture (IPM) will allow for a drastic reduction in pesticide use. The introduction of new pineapple varieties which are better adapted to this new processing path (aseptic crush and cubes) will allow for an increase in production quality and for the creation of an individualized international market production. The "Agriconfiance" production certification and the processing plant certification (ISO) guarantees product ‘traceability’ and security. The PRAM (Pôle de Recherche Agronomique de Martinique) (CIRAD-FLHOR) and the Ministry of Agriculture of Martinique have joined efforts to re-structure the pineapple industry, developing more specific research and professional support programs. The development of new varieties and hybrids and ‘clean’ production techniques is required daily by the industry in Martinique and throughout the Caribbean region.