Consumers often wonder whether the products they want to buy are truly produced according to organic standards. They can rely on an external agency (either private or governmental) to provide that guarantee, or rely on a system of organizations and individuals involved in the production, distribution, consumption, or use of organic products to guarantee the product's organic quality. A guarantee system based on the participation of organizations and individuals directly involved in the organic supply chain is called a Participatory Guarantee System (PGS).
PGS around the world
PGS models and local characteristics
Currently, there are dozens of participatory systems worldwide serving farmers and consumers, from Western countries such as New Zealand and the US to Asian countries such as India and Thailand, and Latin American countries such as Brazil and Peru. In all of these countries, farmers and consumers have built PGS systems to subsequently serve themselves.
Naturally, PGS systems in different countries vary in methodology and procedures as they are adapted to local realities (community, geography, politics, and markets). However, across different PGS systems, the core principles remain quite consistent.
How is PGS different from third-party certification?
PGS shares a common goal with third-party certification bodies: to provide a credible guarantee system for consumers seeking organic products. The difference lies in the approach: PGS encourages or even requires the direct participation of farmers and consumers in the certification process.
Direct participation helps PGS programs reduce paperwork and record-keeping—which is crucial for enabling smallholder farmers to take part in the organic production system and keeping certification costs low.
PGS in Vietnam
In 2004, the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) recognized PGS as a valid guarantee system for organic products, especially for domestic markets. IFOAM subsequently established a dedicated committee to further develop the PGS methodology.
With the support of members of this task force, the ADDA-VNFU project introduced the PGS concept to producers, traders, and consumers with whom the project was working, as well as to several local researchers and non-governmental organizations. The partners agreed to adopt the PGS system as the guarantee system for their organic products in October 2008—marking the birth of PGS Vietnam.
Need advice on PGS certification?
Contact the PGS Vietnam Coordination Committee for support.
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