An assurance system built upon the participation of organizations and individuals directly involved in the organic supply chain is known as a Participatory Guarantee System – PGS.
Where does consumer trust come from?
The foundation for ensuring organic integrity
Consumers often wonder whether the products they want to buy are truly produced according to organic standards. They may rely on an external body (private or governmental) to provide that guarantee, or rely on a system composed of organizations and individuals engaged in producing, distributing, marketing, or consuming organic products to guarantee the organic quality of the product.
PGS around the world
Worldwide, there are currently dozens of participatory systems serving farmers and consumers, from Western countries such as New Zealand and the United States to Asian countries like India and Thailand, as well as Latin American nations like Brazil and Peru. In all of these countries, farmers and consumers have built PGS systems so that they can ultimately serve themselves.
Naturally, PGS systems across different countries vary in methodology and procedures because they are adapted to local realities (community, geography, politics, and markets). However, across these various PGS systems, the core principles remain remarkably consistent.
How PGS differs from third-party certification
PGS shares the common goal with external certification bodies of providing a credible guarantee system for consumers seeking organic products. The difference lies in the approach: PGS systems encourage, and may even require, the direct participation of farmers and consumers in the certification process.
Direct involvement allows PGS programs to reduce paperwork and record-keeping burdens—a critical factor that enables smallholder farmers to participate in the organic production system while keeping certification costs low.
IFOAM recognition of PGS
In 2004, the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) recognized PGS as a valid assurance system for organic products, particularly for domestic markets. IFOAM subsequently established a task force to further develop the PGS methodology.
With the support of members from 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 researchers and local non-governmental organizations. The partners agreed by consensus to implement the PGS system as the guarantee system for their organic products in October 2008.
Need advice on PGS certification?
Contact the PGS Vietnam Coordination Committee for support.
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