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Government Versus Private Quality Assurance For Australian Food Exports

Author

Listed:
  • Wills, Ian R.
  • Harris, Jane

Abstract

Most foodstuffs have quality attributes that are difficult to determine prior to purchase. Thus quality assurance is an inherent problem in food exporting. Private quality assurance can succeed if exporters can credibly signal that they have much to lose from cessation of purchases. If exporters do not provide credible quality signals, and foreign importers judge food quality according to country of origin, honest exporters can suffer negative spillovers from others' cheating under either government or private quality assurance. For both economic and political reasons, the best choice between government and private quality assurance will differ between foods and importing countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Wills, Ian R. & Harris, Jane, 1994. "Government Versus Private Quality Assurance For Australian Food Exports," Australian Journal of Agricultural Economics, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, vol. 38(1), pages 1-16, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:ags:ajaeau:22428
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.22428
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Cole, Anne & Harris, Jane, 2005. "Rising interest in credence qualities in agricultural products and the role for government," 2005 Conference (49th), February 9-11, 2005, Coff's Harbour, Australia 137828, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society.
    2. Salayo, Nerissa D., 2000. "Investment Opportunities for the Shrimp Processing Industry in the Philippines: Results from a Hedonic Analysis," Discussion Papers DP 2000-12, Philippine Institute for Development Studies.

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