Organic production and Globalgap: new forms of coordination between economic agents?

This paper analyzes the different types of conventions that coordinate the relations between the economic agents involved in the new qualification and certification systems, referring to organic products and Globalgap products. The economic theory of conventions interprets the complexity of coordination among economic agents based on a number of potential conventions, regarded as forms of contracts which organize and coordinate the production, processing, exchange and consumption stages. The appearance of consumer styles which bring about social, cultural and environmental concerns generates different strategies based on production qualification and on strengthening social conventions. This qualification is not rewarded in 'global'markets through a premium price. The certification system operating as a bridge between the local and global system gives the product specificity and technical meaning. Globalgap certification and Certified Organic Production in Argentina have described the product in different forms. In both cases, the mandatory certification has added value to the product in global markets, where coordination among economic agents is characterized by the presence of hybrid conventions.