Owen Glave, special projects manager, who has responsibility for the Group's ISO 9000 quality management system noted that "ISO 9002 certification of our farming processes will help to achieve greater acceptance for our products in the final market."
Jamaican bananas are sold in the United Kingdom and European markets, which are becoming increasingly demanding that imported products comply with the highest standards of quality. The ISO 9000 standards are highly respected internationally.
"The ISO 9002 certification," Mr. Glave explained, "refers to our production (cultivation and harvesting) packaging and shipment processes." In addition to the obvious benefits of increased acceptance on international markets, ISO 9002 certification "promotes quality standards throughout the organisation, boosts self-confidence of all workers and provides for systematic audits thus ensuring sustained quality control," said Mr. Glave.
General manager of Eastern Banana Estates, Edwin Thompson, confirmed that productivity had improved since ISO 9002 certification. "Our practices are now far more efficient." Perhaps the most positive result for the farm is the "new sense of self-worth among all levels of staff as well as increased recognition from our corporate offices. We are all very proud of having achieved the distinction of being the first farm in the Caribbean to attain this standard of quality".
The other two farms controlled by Jamaica Producers - Victoria Banana Company in Clarendon and St. Mary Banana Estates in St. Mary, are currently in the process of preparing their management systems for ISO 9002 certification. Audits are expected to be carried out early in 2001.
