Strategies to Improve the Competitiveness of Local Agricultural Products Through Product Certification and Standardization

In today's ever-evolving era, competition in the agricultural sector is getting tougher. Local agricultural products face great challenges in competing with imported products that are often considered to have better quality and wider market access. To overcome this challenge, there needs to be a serious effort to improve the competitiveness of local agricultural products. This study aims to analyze strategies to improve the competitiveness of local agricultural products through product certification and standardization. The method used is descriptive qualitative method with data collection techniques in the form of literature study. Data analysis was carried out in three steps, namely filtering data, presenting data, and making conclusions. The results showed that certification and standardization can improve the competitiveness of local agricultural products by convincing consumers about product quality. Some strategies that can be carried out by the local agricultural sector include implementing the Indonesian National Standard (SNI), halal certification, obtaining Organic Product Certification, meeting international standards, and promoting the certification to consumers. Based on the findings, the benefits of certification and standardization are very positive as an alternative to improve the competitiveness of local agricultural products.