Scientific certificate system

The implementation of traceability, labeling, and certification systems is rather more complicated in agro-forestry systems than in industrial production processes. In fact, the understanding and definition of the scientific and technological basis for such control systems override individual capabilities of companies and suppliers that offer traceability systems. However, for theDehesa, and in particular for the IP production system, it is crucial to develop such systems to avoid frauds and to ensure consumer expectations after paying for such a luxurious and expensive product because not only does it taste delicious but also because of its contribution to the consumer s health and to the environment. 

Standards and certification for organic agriculture have developed over time. Originally, many countries, or organisations within countries, developed standards and systems suitable for their local circumstances. These were not necessarily based on scientific principles, or principles that were accepted in the scientific community. Although such problems are slowly being addressed, many remain. 

Present-day analytical laboratories are increasingly under pressure to supply objective evidence of their technical competence, of the reliability of their results and performance, and to seek formal certification or accreditation. This pressure may come from the laboratory s customers (e.g., industry and national bodies) but may also be due to scientific considerations. A QM system in place, validation of methods, uncertainty evaluation, the use of primary standards and CRMs, participation in ILCs, and PT, all serve to assure and demonstrate the quality of measurements. Compared to, say, 30 years ago, the stability of the equipment now available is much improved, and a greater range of RMs for method validation and calibration is accessible. Nevertheless, to achieve mutual (international) acceptance of various bodies of evidence for QA activities, a number of protocols have been developed. The most widely recognized protocols used in chemical measurements and testing are the ISO Guide 9000 2000, ISO/IEC 17025 2005, and OECD Guidelines for GLP, as well as its national and sector equivalents. 

The ISO (International Organization for Standardization) develops and publishes international standards on scientific and technical issues in industry. Many institutions in developing countries are increasingly seeking to attain certification in international laboratory standards set by ISO, such as the Quality Management Systems standard (ISO 9001) and the general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories... 

The Certification Plan for Reactor Analysis Computer Codes includes a user qualification section. This section contains a user qualification and function checklist that specifies the minimum requirements for each user level and the associated access (authorization or control) level (i.e., from apprentice to proprietor) necessary to perform required code alterations. DOE review of this Certification Plan for Reactor Analysis Computer Codes indicated that it is an acceptable plan for access control. At present, master copies for many of the codes listed in the Certification Plan are archived in the Software Configuration Management System (SCMS), which is controlled by the NRTSC Scientific Computations Section (SCS). 

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