The new IFOAM PGS LOGO
Click here to read more about it
Is your PGS already registered in the
IFOAM online global PGS database?
Click here to view the database.
Is your PGS already registered in the
IFOAM online global PGS database?
Click here to view the database.
IFOAM publishes
The Global PGS Newsletter
The Global PGS Newsletter is a free monthly publication of IFOAM. To view the archive issues of the newsletter, click here.
To subscribe to The Global PGS Newsletter, send an email to pgs@ifoam.org.
available in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese - make an overview of your PGS and share your information through our database!
Definition of PGS
(established by the PGS Task Force in Modena, Italy, June 2008):
(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.[definition in French, Spanish, Portuguese, German and Japanese]
FAQs:
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. PGS Publications
Special Offer PGS Publications-Download: FREE!
Special Offer PGS Publications-Download: FREE!
All PGS Publications
PGS Publications in English
Publicaciones sobre SPG en Español
Publicações em Português sobre SPG
Publications sur les SPG en Français
Publications on PGS in Chinese
Publications on PGS in Japanese
PGS Publikationen in Deutsch
PGS Video Library
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.
IFOAM PGS Committee
Eva Torremocha - Spain
Alice Varon - USA
Chris May - New Zealand
Mathew John - India
Janet Villanueva - Peru
Marc Lewis - South Africa
IFOAM Staff Coordinator:
Flávia Castro (f.castro@ifoam.org)
Latest update: August 02, 2012