4. Implementation of a Multi-agent Supervisory System for an Agricultural Products Sourcing Network

A Distributed Knowledge Management System (DKMS) for health control in hydroponic agricultural framework could improve production and subsequently be integrated into a sourcing network. The forecasted production could also be integrated into an electronic auction and thus allow for faster negotiations, with transparency in a previously agreed trading structure. Such a DKMS can address a variety of regulations (e.g., production control, package, labeling) and environmental concerns (Integrated Pest Management). In this supervisory intelligent network scenario, a high degree of collaboration and transparency promote the solution to such technical critical aspects. In this chapter, a multi-agent architecture for collaborative knowledge management in agricultural production in Mexico is introduced. Since diagnosis and control of diseases and pests, regulations, and environmental issues can be involved in the whole process, from the production control up to the marketing and distribution stages, agricultural sustainability can be later analyzed.