On the "spirit" of quality and the new rationalization of the production of fruits and grapes in the Region of Murcia

Abstract

The article presents an analysis of the quality systems that have been implemented in the field of intensive fruit growing in the Region of Murcia. Following the classic analysis of Max Weber, it is proposed to understand the “spirit” of quality as a new advance in the business rationalization process, with the constitution of a quality bureaucracy as specialized knowledge required to comply with certification standards. The geographical area of ​​study is Vega Alta del Río, a region that for decades has been introducing innovative transformations to establish an agro-export complex of fruit and table grapes. The methodological foundation of the article is qualitative. On the one hand, a life story of a pioneer businessman in the export of fruit in the municipality of Abarán is presented. On the other hand, the results of an extensive study in depth interviews with production and quality technicians from fruit companies are presented.