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Latest update: July, 21st 2008
!!! Has your Participatory Guarantee System already filled the IFOAM Self-Evaluation questionnaire for PGS? If not, click here.
New! Definition of PGS (established by the PGS Task Force in Modena, Italy, June 2008):
Participatory Guarantee Systems are locally focused quality assurance systems. They certify producers based on active participation of stakeholders and are built on a foundation of trust, social networks and knowledge exchange.
News:
Answers to the Frequently Asked Questions on PGS are now available on this website, in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Click here to see all the PGS FAQs.
Get the free project report of a recent IFOAM study on PGS in East Africa under the download section. The purpose of the project was to document and systematize information about PGS in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda and to make recommendations for a better understanding and implementation of PGS in East Africa.
In April 2007, IFOAM convened and supported a workshop on PGS for East Africa. The object of the workshop was to promote the further development of PGS in this region, also being an example for other African countries. The workshop was based on the above mentioned study on PGS in East Africa. A free download of the workshop report is available under the download section.
The PGS manual from the Uruguayan "Red de Agroecología" is available under the download section (Spanish language only!). The manual explains how the Uruguayan PGS case of "Red de Agroecología" functions and provides guidance on capacity building for the members of the PGS.
PGS case studies publication available in Spanish and French version on the IFOAM bookstore.
FAO-India and the Indian Ministry of Agriculture initiated a program for the establishment of a Participatory Guarantee System for India within a technical cooperation program for the promotion of Organic Agriculture.
Find a full project report from FAO International Consultant for Organic Certification Systems, Ron Khosla under the "Download" section.
Background
As the
number of farmers and consumers for organic produce increase, there has
been a corresponding growth in the number of Participatory Guarantee
Systems (PGS) that have evolved and are in practice around the world.
These systems often not only guarantee the credibility of the organic
produce, but are crucially linked to local and alternative marketing
approaches. Though they might vary in their methodology and approach,
the belief in the same core principles brings them together on a common
platform.
Recognizing this crucial niche that PGS occupy, IFOAM
and the Latin American Agroecology Movement (MAELA), jointly hosted an
International Workshop on Alternative Certification (now referred to as
Participatory Guarantee Systems or PGS) in Brazil, 2004. Some of the
key issues for discussion focused on the common grounds between the
various systems, and how they could be provided legitimacy.
To
provide continuity to the discussions and actions, a Working Group was
elected from the participants. Many individuals and groups support and
give inputs to the Working Group. The documents and information
material available on this site are part of a constantly evolving and
learning process to “develop, facilitate and encourage PGS around the
world”.
You are most welcome to be part of the process.
The IFOAM Task Force on PGS
Chris May - New Zealand
Laércio Meirelles - Brazil
Mathew John - India
Eustace Kiarii - Kenya
Ron Khosla - USA
Jordy van den Akker - France
IFOAM Staff Coordinator:
Joelle Katto-Andrighetto (j.katto@ifoam.org)
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