Management information systems for the horticultural firm

Abstract

The development of micro computers has highlighted the need for accurate information at a property level in order to have suitable input data for planning and decision making. This review reveals limited research in developing horticultural information systems and a disappointing response from the farming community in various countries to a generalised recording scheme. Attempts to impose formalised recording schemes have suffered from lack of involvement of growers in the planning stage and limited · contact between advisers and growers after the information has been collated and returned. The Horticultural Management Information System developed by Carlsson and his co-workers in Sweden has received ready acceptance by growers. It seems that Calrsson is succeeding because he has compiled his information system with a close and frequent consultancy approach. The conclusions drawn in this review suggest that the simple intimate approach to information systems initially, lead to grower interest and increasing enthusiasm.