GIS and EUREPGAP : applying GIS to increase effective farm management in accordance GAP requirements

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:With the inception of precision farming techniques during the last decade, agriculturalefficiency has improved, leading to greater productivity and enhanced economicbenefits associated with agriculture. The awareness of health risks associated withfood borne diseases has also increased. Systems such as Hazard Analysis and CriticalControl Points (RACCP) in the USA and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) inEurope are trying to ensure that no food showing signs of microbial contaminationassociated with production techniques are allowed onto the export market. Growersparticipating in exporting are thus being forced to conform to the requirements set byinternational customers.The aim of this study was to compile a computerized record keeping system thatwould aid farmers with the implementation of GAP on farms, by making use of GIScapabilities. A database, consisting of GAP-specific data was developed. ArcViewGIS was used to implement the database, while customized analyses proceduresthrough the use of Avenue assisted in GAP-specific farming related decisions. Anagricultural area focusing on the export market was needed for this study, and the nutproducing Levubu district was identified as ideal.By making use of ArcView GIS, distinct relationships between different data setswere portrayed in tabular, graphical, geographical and report format. GAPrequirements state that growers must base decisions on timely, relevant information.With information available in the above-mentioned formats, decisions regardingactions taken can be justified. By analysing the complex interaction between datasets,the influences that agronomical inputs have on production were portrayed, movingbeyond the standard requirements of GAP.Agricultural activities produce enormous quantities of data, and GIS proved to be anindispensable tool because of the ability to analyse and manipulate data with a spatialcomponent.The implementation of good agricultural practices lends itself to the use of GIS. Withthe correct information available at the right time, better decisions can promoteoptimal croppmg, whilst rmmrrnzmg the negative effects on the consumer andenvironment.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University