What are PGS organic standards? How to achieve PGS organic certification?

What are PGS Standards?

The PGS concept and basis for standard development

PGS stands for Participatory Guarantee System, a locally focused quality assurance system that certifies producers based on active stakeholder participation, ensuring products are made in compliance with organic production standards and regulations. In Vietnam, PGS certification is evaluated against PGS Vietnam Organic Standards.

The standards were 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, PGS Vietnam standards were evaluated and recognized by IFOAM as a member of the IFOAM Family of Standards. Following the government's promulgation of the national organic standard TCVN 11041, the PGS Vietnam standards were referenced and updated in line with Vietnamese standards. This is currently also the only standard certification for the domestic market in Vietnam recognized by IFOAM.

How do PGS Organic Standards differ from USDA, EU Organic, JAS, COR…?

PGS is a system involving businesses and individuals directly engaged in the production chain, including farmers, consumers, enterprises, development NGOs, local authorities, and scientists. It emphasizes peer review and cross-monitoring within the system to ensure compliance with production standards and organic marketing regulations.

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

PGS Vietnam standards consist of 5 chapters with 124 standards

• Irrigation water 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 pesticide residue limits in soil according to QCVN 15:2008/BTNMT.
• The organic production area must be well isolated from contamination sources such as factories, industrial zones, construction sites, major traffic routes, etc.
• The use of all synthetic chemical inputs such as chemical fertilizers, pesticides, commercial feed, or antibiotics is prohibited in organic production.
• The use of herbicides and synthetic growth regulators is prohibited.
• Spraying equipment used in conventional farming must not be used in organic farming; used tools must be cleaned before being introduced to organic farming.
• Farmers must log all inputs used in organic farming into their record books.
• Parallel production is not permitted: organic crops and livestock must be distinct from conventionally produced varieties.
• Ensure the production area is protected from external contamination: have buffer zones to block chemicals from neighboring fields, with organic crops 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 cannot be sold as organic.
• Perennial crops must be produced according to organic standards for a complete life cycle, from the end of the previous harvest until flowering and harvesting the next crop.
• Minimum conversion periods for livestock: 90 days for milk production, 12 months for meat production, and 42 days for egg-laying poultry.
• The use of all inputs containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is prohibited.
• Give priority to available organic seeds, planting materials and livestock inputs; conventional materials must not be treated with chemical pesticides before sowing or planting.
• Livestock must be raised organically from birth; conventional breeding stock may be used only when organic stock is unavailable and must not exceed the specified maximum age in days.