The Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) is a locally oriented quality assurance approach designed to certify organic production. It relies on the active involvement of stakeholders and is grounded in principles of trust, transparency and shared responsibility. PGS is particularly well-suited for smallholder farmers, offering an affordable, inclusive and community-driven alternative to conventional third-party certification systems. Below is an overview of why PGS is a valuable option for smallholder farmers.
6 key elements of a Participatory Guarantee System:
- Shared Vision
All participants (farmers, consumers, NGOs, etc.) agree on common principles—usually around sustainable, organic and ecological practices. - Participation
Farmers, consumers and other stakeholders actively take part in the design, implementation and verification processes. - Transparency
Open access to information and decision-making processes ensures accountability and trust among all members. - Trust
The system relies heavily on mutual trust, supported by continuous engagement, peer reviews and community relationships. - Learning Process
PGS encourages knowledge sharing and continuous improvement among farmers and stakeholders through visits, training and dialogue. - Horizontality
PGS is non-hierarchical. Decisions are made collectively and power is shared rather than centralized in external authorities.
 Common features in PGS
  1. Grassroots Organization
PGS is built from the ground up. Local communities, especially small-scale farmers, play a central role in creating and managing the system. This grassroots approach fosters a strong sense of ownership and ensures that the certification system is tailored to local contexts, cultures and ecosystems.
2. Farmers’ Pledges
Farmers participating in PGS are required to sign a pledge or declaration committing to organic principles and practices. This formal commitment reinforces personal responsibility and accountability. It also serves as a foundational trust-building measure within the system.
3. Principles and Values
PGS is guided by core principles such as trust, transparency, participation, equity and environmental sustainability. These values shape not just the certification criteria, but also the social relationships and ethical foundations of the system.
4. Norms Conceived by Stakeholders
Rather than being imposed externally, standards and practices in PGS are co-created by the stakeholders themselves, primarily farmers, but also consumers, NGOs, and local institutions. This bottom-up approach ensures that norms are realistic, relevant and widely accepted.
5. Â Clear, Predefined Consequences for Non-Compliance
PGS includes a system of graduated consequences for violations, ranging from warnings and corrective measures to suspension or expulsion. These consequences are known and agreed upon in advance, ensuring fairness, consistency and transparency.
6. Mechanisms to Verify Compliance
Compliance is ensured through peer reviews, farm visits, self-declarations, and record keeping. These verification methods are participatory and educational, allowing farmers to learn from one another while maintaining accountability.
7. Documented Management and Procedures
Although it is community-based, PGS maintains formal documentation of its procedures, internal rules, inspection reports and decisions. This documentation ensures traceability, credibility, and allows for continuous improvement.
8. Suitable to Smallholder Agriculture
PGS is specifically designed to serve small-scale and resource-poor farmers, offering a low-cost, low-bureaucracy alternative to third-party certification. It removes economic and administrative barriers while promoting ecological farming.
9. Seals/Labels as Evidence of Organic Status
Certified farmers are allowed to use a PGS seal or label to market their produce as organic. This label builds consumer confidence and allows farmers to differentiate their products in the market, helping secure better prices.
10. Mechanisms to Support Farmers
PGS is not just about certification—it also builds community solidarity and support systems. These can include farmer training, mentoring, seed sharing, marketing help and technical advice. This support network enhances resilience and builds capacity.
Why Join a PGS Group
Benefits of a PGS group include:
1.     Low-Cost Certification-PGS eliminates the high fees associated with third-party certification, making organic certification affordable for small-scale farmers.
2.     Farmer Empowerment-Farmers are directly involved in the decision-making, evaluation, and governance processes. This leads to greater ownership, confidence, and empowerment.
3.     Community Building-PGS fosters stronger social ties through collective responsibility, peer reviews, and knowledge sharing. It builds trust among producers, consumers, and the community.
4.     Transparency and Trust-All records, procedures, and decisions are open and accessible to all stakeholders. The system is based on mutual trust and shared accountability.
5.     Education and Capacity Building-PGS encourages learning by doing. Farmers improve their skills and understanding of organic practices through peer reviews, trainings, and field visits.
6.     Tailored to Local Contexts-Standards and norms are designed by local stakeholders, making them relevant, practical, and culturally appropriate for the specific farming community.
7.     Quick and Flexible-Because it is community-managed, PGS allows for faster decision-making and adjustments without bureaucratic delays.
8.     Market Recognition-PGS-certified products carry a label or seal, giving consumers confidence in the organic quality and helping farmers gain better market access and prices.
9.     Environmental Sustainability-By promoting organic farming, PGS supports soil health, biodiversity, and ecological balance, aligning with long-term sustainability goals.
Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) are more than just a way to certify organic produce, they are a movement for local empowerment, sustainability and food sovereignty.
Author: Rabecca Mwila
Rabecca Mwila is a passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship. With a background in climate change and communications, she has spent years telling the untold stories of the realities of climate change, environmental and climate injustices and how they affect vulnerable communities in Africa and beyond.
