Transformation level 0

Basic activities of selection, storage, packaging and marketing:[4]​.

Products:.

Storage:.

Selection, classification and packaging:.

Transformation level 1

First degree of transformation (conservation and initial processing):[4]​.

Preservation and packaging:.

Elaboration:.

Transformation level 2

Second degree of transformation (by-products and advanced manufacturing):[4]​.

Byproducts:.

Manufacture:.

Agroindustrial conglomerates

Grouping by raw material:

Meat conglomerate:[5]​.

Dairy conglomerate:[5]​.

Fruit and vegetable conglomerate:[5].

Fishing conglomerate:.

Timber conglomerate:.

Harvest Seasonality

The agricultural product generally has a harvest period that extends from several weeks to a few months. At the same time, it must be processed "fresh", which in some cases means from a few hours to 2-3 days after its arrival at the plant. The period is lengthened by growing different varieties, some early and others late, and in some cases storing part of the harvest in cold rooms. Even so, in many cases the agroindustrial plant works only part of the year. There are few products that are produced in all seasons, such as milk, meat, eggs or some vegetables.

Variation in the amount harvested during the season

It is called this when the fruit is harvested at the time of the ripening period "Maturation (food)") such that it allows it to reach the final consumer 2-3-4 days before its total ripening. The quantity (ton or liter) that the farmer sends to the plant starts with small quantities, increases to a peak and then reduces until the end of the harvest. Each crop, each variety has different behaviors. If a graph is made for each variety, indicating the number of tons harvested each week, a bell curve or Gauss curve is obtained.

The table presented below indicates the sum of the estimates of the mango producers who are going to send the harvest to the plant for selection, classification and packaging. Due to space problems in the table, the fortnight has been taken as the unit of time instead of the week, which is how it is done in reality.

As you can see, the Ettinger variety is early. The Navel and Hass varieties extend the season, which thus lasts seven months.

There are two fortnights in which 400 tons or more are sent to the plant, while in other fortnights the workload is much lower. The plant manager will have to schedule his staff to adapt it to the workload.

Example: citrus fruits, stone fruits"), etc.

In other cases, the entire plot is harvested: the date by which the harvest will be ready is decided, and the amount that is collected per day is set by the processing potential of the plant or the capacity of the combines, mechanical or manual.

Example: potatoes, tubers, olive, pecans, hazelnuts.

Raw material useful life

Agricultural products have different useful lives:

The main function of agribusiness is to extend shelf life to weeks or months.

Form of purchase of raw materials

There are different modalities, including:

By the dominant input

According to the composition of costs, industries of all branches are usually classified into: industries.

Agribusiness 4.0

It focuses on the integration of digital technologies such as sensors, artificial intelligence and big data. These tools allow you to improve productivity, optimize decision making and reduce risks. Digitalization facilitates precision agriculture and allows producers to adapt more flexibly to market demands, which contributes to the competitiveness of the sector.[6]​.

Biotechnology

It involves the application of scientific advances to improve agricultural and livestock processes. This includes the development of resistant crops and more sustainable production techniques. The implementation of biotechnology requires investments in research and education to foster innovative technological solutions that can address the challenges of the agroindustrial sector.[6]​.

Bioeconomy

This promotes the sustainable use of biological resources through the combination of knowledge, innovation and technology. Its objective is to use renewable biomass efficiently, reducing environmental impact and generating added value. This approach seeks to promote economic development from renewable natural resources, contributing to the sustainability of the sector.[6]​.

Technology can be understood as the set of processes through which, using tools, a raw material is transformed into a desired product. There are various technological alternatives to achieve the same productive objective, which can vary depending on the production factors used, such as capital (equipment) or labor.

For example, feed production can be done with basic technology that includes a Roman scale, a hammer mill, and a one-ton vertical mixer. Alternatively, this same product can be manufactured in an automated plant managed by computerized systems that control all stages of the process, from the storage of the components to the formulation of the mixtures and their loading into tank trucks. In both cases the same product is obtained, although there may be differences in the quality or efficiency of the process.

In industrialized countries, agriculture and agribusiness have reached a technological level comparable to that of other industrial sectors, partly due to subsidy policies. In these contexts, where salaries can exceed $1,500 per month, investment in machinery to reduce the use of labor is widely justified. In contrast, in many developing countries, where salaries range between $400 and $600 per month, decisions about technological investment respond to other economic considerations.

The main manufacturers of agribusiness equipment, located mostly in industrialized countries, tend to design sophisticated machinery adapted to their own technological contexts. This situation can generate challenges for developing countries, where access, maintenance and full use of said technology may be limited.

Against this backdrop, some strategies adopted in developing countries include:

These solutions seek to adapt the technology to local conditions, making its integration into the productive environment more viable.

In general terms, the Value Added per Employed Person (VA/PO) generated by industry is higher than that of agriculture. Although within the industrial sector, agribusiness presents one of the lowest levels of VA/PO, it is still higher than that observed in agricultural activities.

There are various factors that favor the location of agroindustrial plants in rural regions, among which the following stand out:

However, there may also be limitations when establishing plants in rural areas, such as:.

At both local and national levels, authorities can play a key role in promoting rural agribusiness by supporting the installation of plants. Among the objectives of these policies are:

Contenido

Los principales impactos negativos de la agroindustria se relacionan con la contaminación atmosférica y acuática, la eliminación de los desperdicios sólidos y los cambios en el uso de la tierra. Sin embargo, también pueden identificarse algunos impactos positivos, sobre todo cuando se aplican prácticas sostenibles y tecnologías limpias.[7]​.

Pollution

Wastewater flows vary depending on the type and magnitude of the agroindustrial operation. Typically, tributaries have a high level of biochemical and chemical oxygen demand and suspended or dissolved solids. In addition, there may be other contaminants, such as pesticide residues, complex oils, alkaline or acidic compounds, and other organic substances in wastewater. The tributaries of pastures, tanneries and slaughterhouses can be potential sources of infection for humans and animals.[7]​.

Atmospheric emissions from agroindustrial operations often include: pulverized material, sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxides, hydrocarbons and other organic compounds. Agribusinesses often produce noxious and annoying odors.

Storage

Improper storage of raw materials or improper disposal of solid waste can harm land resources, either at the installation site or in waste repositories.

Changes in use

The production of raw materials for these agroindustries can have negative environmental effects, due to the intensification of agricultural activity. By converting forests to agricultural land, there is the potential to cause significant environmental and social impacts. The nature and magnitude of the effect will depend on existing land use practices, the amount of raw materials required by the agroindustry, the production system and the land and water management system.

Potential environmental effects include:

Potential social impacts include:.

However, agribusiness can also generate environmental and social benefits, especially if sustainable approaches are applied. Positive impacts include the incorporation of more efficient agricultural practices, the creation of markets for local products, the promotion of jobs in rural areas and the development of associated infrastructure, such as transportation roads.

Production of raw materials

By clearing large areas of natural vegetation for crop or livestock production, or by intensifying agriculture, negative environmental and social impacts can be generated. Notable examples include:.

These changes also contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, which affect global climate change.

Impact on people

In 2018, the international organization Global Witness published a report stating that more than 200 environmental activists and defenders were murdered in 2017. At least 40 of these murders were linked to agribusiness.[8]​ Most of these murders occurred in Brazil, with characteristics of a massacre.[9]​[10][11][12][13]​ In 2017 they also occurred. murders in Peru,[14]​ Mexico[15]​ and the Philippines[16]​ motivated by the expansion of agribusiness.[7]​.

In order to promote exports of agri-food products, various government agencies publish economic studies by product and by country, via the Internet. Among others, there are the FAS of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Austrade and NZTE, which represent four of the most important countries in terms of exports of agri-food products. The Federation of International Trade Associations publishes studies from FAS and AAFC, as well as other non-governmental organizations, on its website globaltrade.net.[17]​.

Food agroindustry

This category focuses on the transformation of agricultural, livestock, fishing and forestry products into processed foods. It includes activities such as the processing of fruits and vegetables, the production of dairy products, meats, cereals and beverages. Its main objective is to add value to primary products, improve their conservation and facilitate their distribution.[3]​.

Non-food agribusiness

It includes the transformation of raw materials of agricultural origin into products not intended for human consumption. Examples include the production of textiles "Fabric (textile)"), paper, biofuels, industrial oils and wood products. This category seeks to diversify the use of natural resources and promote the development of complementary industries.[3]​.

Agroindustry supplier of raw materials

It refers to agroindustrial activities that supply inputs and raw materials to other industries. For example, the production of vegetable oils that are used in the manufacture of cosmetics or the production of natural fibers for the textile industry. These agroindustries are fundamental in the supply chain of various economic sectors.[3]​.

Agroindustry that consumes raw materials

This category includes agroindustries that use raw materials from the agricultural, livestock, fishing or forestry sector to produce final products. Includes food, beverage, textile (fabric (textile)) and wood products factories, among others. Its function is to transform natural resources into consumer goods or intermediate products for other industries.[3]​.

Artisan agroindustry

Characterized by small-scale production processes with a high manual component, artisanal agribusiness is based on traditional techniques and local knowledge. It produces food, drinks and other products with cultural identity, such as artisanal cheeses, homemade jams, handmade textiles and wooden crafts. This category contributes to local economic development and the preservation of cultural traditions.[3]​.

Transformation level 0

Basic activities of selection, storage, packaging and marketing:[4]​.

Products:.

Storage:.

Selection, classification and packaging:.

Transformation level 1

First degree of transformation (conservation and initial processing):[4]​.

Preservation and packaging:.

Elaboration:.

Transformation level 2

Second degree of transformation (by-products and advanced manufacturing):[4]​.

Byproducts:.

Manufacture:.

Agroindustrial conglomerates

Grouping by raw material:

Meat conglomerate:[5]​.

Dairy conglomerate:[5]​.

Fruit and vegetable conglomerate:[5].

Fishing conglomerate:.

Timber conglomerate:.

Harvest Seasonality

The agricultural product generally has a harvest period that extends from several weeks to a few months. At the same time, it must be processed "fresh", which in some cases means from a few hours to 2-3 days after its arrival at the plant. The period is lengthened by growing different varieties, some early and others late, and in some cases storing part of the harvest in cold rooms. Even so, in many cases the agroindustrial plant works only part of the year. There are few products that are produced in all seasons, such as milk, meat, eggs or some vegetables.

Variation in the amount harvested during the season

It is called this when the fruit is harvested at the time of the ripening period "Maturation (food)") such that it allows it to reach the final consumer 2-3-4 days before its total ripening. The quantity (ton or liter) that the farmer sends to the plant starts with small quantities, increases to a peak and then reduces until the end of the harvest. Each crop, each variety has different behaviors. If a graph is made for each variety, indicating the number of tons harvested each week, a bell curve or Gauss curve is obtained.

The table presented below indicates the sum of the estimates of the mango producers who are going to send the harvest to the plant for selection, classification and packaging. Due to space problems in the table, the fortnight has been taken as the unit of time instead of the week, which is how it is done in reality.

As you can see, the Ettinger variety is early. The Navel and Hass varieties extend the season, which thus lasts seven months.

There are two fortnights in which 400 tons or more are sent to the plant, while in other fortnights the workload is much lower. The plant manager will have to schedule his staff to adapt it to the workload.

Example: citrus fruits, stone fruits"), etc.

In other cases, the entire plot is harvested: the date by which the harvest will be ready is decided, and the amount that is collected per day is set by the processing potential of the plant or the capacity of the combines, mechanical or manual.

Example: potatoes, tubers, olive, pecans, hazelnuts.

Raw material useful life

Agricultural products have different useful lives:

The main function of agribusiness is to extend shelf life to weeks or months.

Form of purchase of raw materials

There are different modalities, including:

By the dominant input

According to the composition of costs, industries of all branches are usually classified into: industries.

Agribusiness 4.0

It focuses on the integration of digital technologies such as sensors, artificial intelligence and big data. These tools allow you to improve productivity, optimize decision making and reduce risks. Digitalization facilitates precision agriculture and allows producers to adapt more flexibly to market demands, which contributes to the competitiveness of the sector.[6]​.

Biotechnology

It involves the application of scientific advances to improve agricultural and livestock processes. This includes the development of resistant crops and more sustainable production techniques. The implementation of biotechnology requires investments in research and education to foster innovative technological solutions that can address the challenges of the agroindustrial sector.[6]​.

Bioeconomy

This promotes the sustainable use of biological resources through the combination of knowledge, innovation and technology. Its objective is to use renewable biomass efficiently, reducing environmental impact and generating added value. This approach seeks to promote economic development from renewable natural resources, contributing to the sustainability of the sector.[6]​.

Technology can be understood as the set of processes through which, using tools, a raw material is transformed into a desired product. There are various technological alternatives to achieve the same productive objective, which can vary depending on the production factors used, such as capital (equipment) or labor.

For example, feed production can be done with basic technology that includes a Roman scale, a hammer mill, and a one-ton vertical mixer. Alternatively, this same product can be manufactured in an automated plant managed by computerized systems that control all stages of the process, from the storage of the components to the formulation of the mixtures and their loading into tank trucks. In both cases the same product is obtained, although there may be differences in the quality or efficiency of the process.

In industrialized countries, agriculture and agribusiness have reached a technological level comparable to that of other industrial sectors, partly due to subsidy policies. In these contexts, where salaries can exceed $1,500 per month, investment in machinery to reduce the use of labor is widely justified. In contrast, in many developing countries, where salaries range between $400 and $600 per month, decisions about technological investment respond to other economic considerations.

The main manufacturers of agribusiness equipment, located mostly in industrialized countries, tend to design sophisticated machinery adapted to their own technological contexts. This situation can generate challenges for developing countries, where access, maintenance and full use of said technology may be limited.

Against this backdrop, some strategies adopted in developing countries include:

These solutions seek to adapt the technology to local conditions, making its integration into the productive environment more viable.

In general terms, the Value Added per Employed Person (VA/PO) generated by industry is higher than that of agriculture. Although within the industrial sector, agribusiness presents one of the lowest levels of VA/PO, it is still higher than that observed in agricultural activities.

There are various factors that favor the location of agroindustrial plants in rural regions, among which the following stand out:

However, there may also be limitations when establishing plants in rural areas, such as:.

At both local and national levels, authorities can play a key role in promoting rural agribusiness by supporting the installation of plants. Among the objectives of these policies are:

Contenido

Los principales impactos negativos de la agroindustria se relacionan con la contaminación atmosférica y acuática, la eliminación de los desperdicios sólidos y los cambios en el uso de la tierra. Sin embargo, también pueden identificarse algunos impactos positivos, sobre todo cuando se aplican prácticas sostenibles y tecnologías limpias.[7]​.

Pollution

Wastewater flows vary depending on the type and magnitude of the agroindustrial operation. Typically, tributaries have a high level of biochemical and chemical oxygen demand and suspended or dissolved solids. In addition, there may be other contaminants, such as pesticide residues, complex oils, alkaline or acidic compounds, and other organic substances in wastewater. The tributaries of pastures, tanneries and slaughterhouses can be potential sources of infection for humans and animals.[7]​.

Atmospheric emissions from agroindustrial operations often include: pulverized material, sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxides, hydrocarbons and other organic compounds. Agribusinesses often produce noxious and annoying odors.

Storage

Improper storage of raw materials or improper disposal of solid waste can harm land resources, either at the installation site or in waste repositories.

Changes in use

The production of raw materials for these agroindustries can have negative environmental effects, due to the intensification of agricultural activity. By converting forests to agricultural land, there is the potential to cause significant environmental and social impacts. The nature and magnitude of the effect will depend on existing land use practices, the amount of raw materials required by the agroindustry, the production system and the land and water management system.

Potential environmental effects include:

Potential social impacts include:.

However, agribusiness can also generate environmental and social benefits, especially if sustainable approaches are applied. Positive impacts include the incorporation of more efficient agricultural practices, the creation of markets for local products, the promotion of jobs in rural areas and the development of associated infrastructure, such as transportation roads.

Production of raw materials

By clearing large areas of natural vegetation for crop or livestock production, or by intensifying agriculture, negative environmental and social impacts can be generated. Notable examples include:.

These changes also contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, which affect global climate change.

Impact on people

In 2018, the international organization Global Witness published a report stating that more than 200 environmental activists and defenders were murdered in 2017. At least 40 of these murders were linked to agribusiness.[8]​ Most of these murders occurred in Brazil, with characteristics of a massacre.[9]​[10][11][12][13]​ In 2017 they also occurred. murders in Peru,[14]​ Mexico[15]​ and the Philippines[16]​ motivated by the expansion of agribusiness.[7]​.

In order to promote exports of agri-food products, various government agencies publish economic studies by product and by country, via the Internet. Among others, there are the FAS of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Austrade and NZTE, which represent four of the most important countries in terms of exports of agri-food products. The Federation of International Trade Associations publishes studies from FAS and AAFC, as well as other non-governmental organizations, on its website globaltrade.net.[17]​.