You already farm organically. You avoid synthetic fertilisers and pesticides. You protect your soil, use natural methods to manage pests, and work hard to produce healthy food for your family and customers. But how do buyers know your produce is truly organic?

Without certification, it can be difficult to stand out in the market. Buyers may not be able to tell the difference between your produce and conventionally grown produce. As a result, you may miss opportunities to access customers who specifically want organic food and are willing to pay more for it.

This is where the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) comes in.

What Is PGS?

The Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) is a locally based organic certification system designed especially for smallholder farmers.

Unlike conventional third-party certification, which can be expensive and complicated, PGS is built around farmer groups and community participation. Farmers work together to verify that members follow agreed organic standards through peer inspections, farm visits, and regular meetings.

The system is based on transparency, trust, shared learning, and accountability.

PGS is recognised globally by IFOAM – Organics International as a legitimate approach to organic certification, particularly for local and domestic markets.

Why Should Farmers Join a PGS Group?

For many farmers, certification is not just about getting a certificate. It is about creating opportunities.

When you become part of a PGS-certified group, you gain:

Greater Credibility with Buyers

Certification provides evidence that your produce is grown according to organic standards. This can help build trust with consumers, retailers, and institutions looking for organic products.

Better Market Visibility

Certified farmers can distinguish their produce from conventionally grown products and strengthen their position in the marketplace.

Access to a National Network

Through PGS, farmers become part of a wider community of organic producers across Nigeria, creating opportunities for networking, learning, and collaboration.

Continuous Learning

PGS groups regularly organise meetings, peer farm visits, and knowledge-sharing activities that help members improve their farming practices.

Preparation for Future Opportunities

The record-keeping and documentation practices developed through PGS can help farmers prepare for future certification requirements, including those needed for export markets.

How Does NOAN’s PGS Work?

The Association of Organic Agriculture Practitioners of Nigeria (NOAN) coordinates the national PGS programme in Nigeria.

The process starts with farmers forming or joining a local group, preferably within the same community or geographical area.

Each group agrees to follow organic standards and participates in peer review activities to verify that members comply with those standards.

After completing the required registration and verification process, successful groups are recognised under NOAN’s national PGS programme and receive certification for the domestic market.

Certified groups are also listed on NOAN’s national platform and assigned a unique identification code for future reference and verification.

How to Register Through NOAN’s PGS

The process is straightforward:

Step 1: Join or Form a Local Group

PGS works through groups of farmers who share a commitment to organic production.

Step 2: Study the Organic Standards

Members review and agree to follow the standards outlined in the Nigeria Organic Agriculture Standard.

Step 3: Complete the Required Forms

The group completes the necessary application and registration documents provided by NOAN.

Step 4: Participate in Peer Inspection

Group members visit and assess one another’s farms using approved inspection tools and checklists.

Step 5: Submit Documentation

The completed forms and inspection records are submitted through the appropriate channels for review and approval.

Resources Available to Farmers

One of the strengths of NOAN’s PGS programme is that the resources needed to begin the certification journey are already available.

Farmers and farmer groups can access:

• PGS application forms
• Group registration documents
• Farmers’ Pledge forms
• Peer inspection appraisal sheets
• Sample certificates
• Attendance and meeting registers
• Non-conformance and sanction templates
• The Revised Nigeria Organic Agriculture Standard

These resources help farmers understand the certification process and maintain the records required for participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an individual farmer apply?

PGS is designed to operate through groups. Farmers are encouraged to join an existing group or work with others to form one.

Is PGS certification recognised?

Yes. PGS is recognised internationally by IFOAM – Organics International as a valid organic certification approach for local and domestic markets.

Can I export with PGS certification?

PGS is primarily intended for domestic markets. Export markets generally require third-party certification from internationally recognised certification bodies.

Is PGS cheaper than conventional certification?

Yes. One of the main advantages of PGS is that it is designed to be more accessible and affordable for smallholder farmers.

Building the Future of Organic Agriculture in Nigeria

Every certified farmer strengthens the organic movement in Nigeria.

When farmers organise themselves, follow recognised standards, and demonstrate their commitment to sustainable production, they help build consumer confidence in organic food and create stronger markets for future generations.

Organic certification is not only about proving how food is grown. It is about opening new opportunities, strengthening farmer organisations, and creating a more sustainable food system.

If you already farm organically, certification can help you gain recognition for the work you are doing and connect you with a growing community of farmers committed to producing healthy food while protecting the environment.

Get Started Today

To begin your certification journey through Participatory Guarantee System hosted by NOAN.

Download PGS resources and application documents.

https://noanigeria.net/certification-procedure/ 

Download PGS resources and application documents.