What is the PGS organic standard? How to obtain PGS organic certification?

What is the PGS standard?

The PGS concept and basis for standard development

PGS stands for Participatory Guarantee System, which is a participatory certification system that ensures products are produced according to the proper process and comply with the standards and regulations of organic production. In Vietnam, PGS certification is evaluated according to the PGS Vietnam organic standard.

The set of standards was developed in 2008 based on IFOAM standards, referencing the organic agriculture standard 10TCN 602-2006 issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. In September 2013, the PGS Vietnam standard was evaluated and recognized by IFOAM as a member of the IFOAM Family of Standards. After the government promulgated the national organic standard TCVN 11041, the PGS Vietnam standard was referenced and updated according to the Vietnamese standard. This is also currently the only standard certification for the domestic market in Vietnam recognized by IFOAM.

How does the PGS organic standard differ from USDA, EU Organic, JAS, COR…?

PGS is a system with the participation of businesses and individuals directly involved in the production chain, such as farmers, consumers, businesses, development NGOs, local authorities, scientists, etc. It focuses on organizational methods for cross-inspection and monitoring within the system to ensure compliance with standards during production and regulations regarding the consumption of organic products.

PGS focuses on two main aspects: the direct connection between producers and consumers (supply – demand); building consumer trust in products produced according to organic standards.

The PGS Vietnam standards comprise 5 chapters with 124 standards

• The water source for organic farming must meet QCVN 08-MT:2023/BTNMT; farming soil must meet heavy metal limits according to QCVN 03-MT:2023/BTNMT and plant protection chemical residues in the soil according to QCVN 15:2008/BTNMT.
• Organic production areas must be well isolated from contamination sources such as factories, industrial zones, construction sites, major traffic routes…
• The use of all synthetic chemical inputs such as chemical fertilizers, plant protection chemicals, industrial feed, or antibiotics is prohibited in organic production.
• The use of herbicides and synthetic growth stimulants is prohibited.
• Spraying equipment used in conventional farming must not be used in organic farming; used tools must be cleaned before being brought into organic farming.
• Farmers must record in a logbook all input materials used in organic farming.
• Parallel production is not permitted: organic crops and livestock must be distinct from conventional crops and livestock.
• Ensure the production area is free from external contamination: have a buffer zone to prevent chemicals from adjacent fields, and organic crops must be planted at least 1 meter away from the buffer zone.
• Annual crops must undergo a conversion period of 6 months (for areas certified as eligible for safe production) or 12 months; products during the conversion period must not be sold as organic.
• Perennial crops must be produced according to organic standards for a full cycle from the end of the previous harvest until flowering and harvesting of the next crop.
• Minimum livestock conversion period: dairy 90 days, meat 12 months, poultry for eggs 42 days.
• The use of all input materials containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is prohibited.
• Priority is given to readily available organic seeds, planting materials, and livestock breeds; conventional materials must not be treated with chemical plant protection products prior to planting.
• Livestock must be raised according to organic methods from birth; conventional breeding stock may only be used when organic stock is unavailable and must not exceed the specified maximum age.