Socio-economic effects of quality system implementation in typical productions: the case of Parmigiano agroindustrial system (PAIS)

The aim of the authors is to describe the economic consequences of structural and org anizational changes of PAIS (Parmigiano agroindustrial system) to afford the total quality management in accordance with the requirements of the quality standards imposed by UNI-EN ISO 9002 norms. The first part is dedicated to the structural changes in fa rm organization required by PAIS. The topic is framed as follows: 1) technological adjustments to produce quality; 2) farm adaptation to PAIS; 3) modeling an integrated farm-cooperative organization for managing the total quality system. The second part is a case study about the certification according to ISO 9002 introduced by the Consorzio Parmigiano Reggiano. The questionnaire distributed to a number of farms involved into the project shows the consequences (costs and benefits) following the implementation and the certification of quality systems.