Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS)

The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) defines PGS as “locally focused quality assurance systems that certify producers based on the active participation of stakeholders and are built on a foundation of trust, social networks, and knowledge exchange” (as cited in IFOAM, 2019). Producers, consumers, technicians, and any other related parties jointly define certification standards and help evaluate compliance. PGS generally involve lower financial costs and less paperwork than third party certification and are thus a friendlier option for small farmers (IFOAM, 2014).

Originated from the organic philosophy, the PGS philosophy adheres to an ecological approach to agriculture that uses no synthetic chemical pesticides, fertilizers or GMO, and stresses on long-term economic sustainability and social justice in order to protect farmers and workers. PGS programmes focus on local and direct marketing which encourages community building, environmental protection and support to local economies (IFOAM, 2007).

There are at least 241 PGS initiatives worldwide in 66 countries, with at least 311,449 farmers involved and 76,750 producers certified. Asia is the leading region in PGS. In India alone, there are 46,598 PGS certified producers, representing 60% of the total certified producers globally (IFOAM - Organics International PGS Team, 2017, p.1).

To better understand PGS, take a look at this introductory video produced by IFOAM:

 

PGS and third-party certification both help to address the increasing demand for sustainable products. Their labelling schemes facilitate behavioural change for sustainable consumption. Everyone in the society are empowered to contribute to sustainable agriculture by choosing sustainably produced food. Would you look out for such products when you shop?

 

Read more:

IFOAM. (2019). Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS). Retrieved from https://www.ifoam.bio/en/organic-policy-guarantee/participatory-guarantee-systems-pgs

FAO. (2017). PGS project in Cambodia and Lao PDR. Retrieved from https://www.ifoam.bio/sites/default/files/pgs_stories_from_lao_pdr_and_cambodia.pdf

 

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