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Quality management for natural enemies

Quality management for natural enemiesNatural enemies are living organisms, due to which they are extremely vulnerable products in biological crop protection. Different factors like temperature and humidity have influence on the quality of the products. Therefore, it is important that this quality is being monitored continuously. The quality team of the department Crop protection & disinfection is concerned with quality management of the fresh products every day. This quality management is subdivided into two parts: quality control and in-depth investigation. 

Quality control

In order to be able to guarantee the quality of the products, we randomly verify our products every day on three points:
  • Transport: the temperature during transport and the duration of the transport may affect the quality of the product. By performing measurements during the transport and reading the data afterwards, we can determine how the transport proceeded and on which points the transport can be improved.
  • Packaging: the quality team checks the packaging for damage, position and labelling for incoming and outgoing products. Also, certain outgoing packages are packed with ice packs, at Royal Brinkman, to keep the cooling chain intact.
  • Condition of the product: when establishing the condition of the product, we look at freshness, the development stage of the product and the numbers.

In depth investigation

In addition to the quality control, the quality team performs in depth investigation to be able to guarantee that the products meet the requirements as set out by the IOBC. For example, the outcome percentage and the gender proportion of a product are measured, but also how many parasites there are in a packaging. Apart from laboratory research, Royal Brinkman also performs quality control on the crop. All of this data is used in creating a data archive, that will help determine the choice of supplier. 

Strategic choice of supplier

Royal Brinkman offers natural enemies from different suppliers. A strategic choice of supplier was chosen, so always the best product can be offered. The previously mentioned in depth investigation and the accompanying data archive show which suppliers do or do not meet the requirements set. In case of the latter, Royal Brinkman can switch to the alternative or to a different supplier who does meet the requirements, in order to be able to guarantee the quality of the natural enemies. 
Kevin

Questions about quality management
Do you have any questions about the quality management of Royal Brinkman? Then contact quality controller Kevin van Kester, or ask your question using the form below. We will then contact you as soon as possible, even within 24 hours on working days.



Kevin KesterAbout Kevin van Kester
Kevin van Kester, specialist in the area of quality management of biological pesticides, has been working with Royal Brinkman since 2013. On the basis of IOBC-guidelines, he structurally monitors the quality of organic products of various producers throughout Europe. "My motivation consists of contributing to higher efficiency of the biological pest control, as such, due to which fewer chemical treatments are required."



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