Abstract:
The product quality is essential to the revitalization of agriculture, the improvement of the safety of agriculture, the growth of farmers’ income, the healthy consumption of consumers, and the enhancement of the international competitiveness of agricultural products. Based on the current status of the quality and safety of agricultural products in China, this paper examined the experiences and practices of the quality and safety management of agricultural products in some developed countries and regions, including the United States, Japan, and the European Union, and discussed their implications to China. Results show that the advantages of the United States are the scientific standards, the certification system, and the perfect traceability system; the advantages of Japan are the monitoring and early warning systems, and the decentralized management; and the advantages of the European Union are subsidies and incentives and centralized management. This paper also finds that efficient agricultural product management system is the basis for ensuring the quality and safety of agricultural products. A sound legal system is the cornerstone to ensure the quality and safety of agricultural products. Perfect agricultural product standard system, good traceability system and early warning system of quality risks are the key to improve the quality and safety of agricultural products. Accordingly, combining the current situation of the quality and safety management of agricultural products in China with these international experiences, and to further ensure the quality and safety management of agricultural products in China, this paper suggests: to further strengthen the legislation for ensuring the quality and safety of agricultural products, to establish and improve laws and regulations on the quality and safety management of agricultural products, and to improve the quality standards, certification system of agricultural products, supervision system, inspection and testing system, and risk management system.