Why this map?
This global map is a tool that displays PGS initiatives at a global level, with key information about them such as produce, number of producers and hectares. Researchers, PGS practitioners, governments and interested stakeholders can use it to retrieve global data on PGS. This Map is also a useful tool that links consumers, buyers and traders, who are looking for organically produced food, with growers and processors that have chosen Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) as a way to certify their products.
Through this map:
- Consumers, buyers, retailers, traders, researchers and other interested stakeholders can find organic food producers certified through PGS by selecting a certain country or clicking on a region and zooming in on the map.
- Organic producers, certified through PGS can be featured on the map as a way to attract new clients; they can provide information about their products, the contact person, number of producers involved and certified, land under organic management, organic standard used and the selling outlets. At anytime, PGS groups can submit new or updated information to the map.
Thanks to this platform the distance between producers and final consumers is shortened, meaning that famers can get better and fairer prices for their produce, while consumers can get access to high quality organic food, free of chemical compounds that is produced respecting the environment as well as empowering rural communities.
This map is the result of a partnership between FAO RAP and IFOAM – Organics International.
What are PGS?
"Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) 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." ( IFOAM - Organics International)
PGS, just like third party certification, are verification systems that ensure that producers comply with organic agriculture standards and that their produce is organic. PGS are especially adapted to local markets, small producers and processors, and short supply chains.Why PGS?
IFOAM - Organics International supports the development of PGS as an alternative and complementary tool to third-party certification within the organic sector and advocates for the recognition of PGS by governments. PGS are directly managed and implemented by the organic producers, often together with consumers and with the support of local organizations (NGOs), extension officers, researchers and governmental authorities. Thousands of organic producers and consumers are now verified through PGS initiatives around the world. Although details of methodology and process vary, the key elements and features remain consistent worldwide.
For more information, visit our PGS FAQs page here.
How to read the map?
On the map you can find three different types of markers that allow you to distinguish between PGS status:
Recognized by IFOAM - Organics International, they are all operational.
Recognized by local authorities, they are all operational.
Self declared PGS, they can be operational or under development.
We define:
Operational - A PGS initiative, which is fully functional and has put into place all the necessary procedures to manage the certification system. At least some farmers involved have received the certification.
Under development - A PGS initiative, comprised of one or more local groups of producers that do not yet have any certified farmers.
Recognized by local authorities: in some countries, often where the organic sector is regulated, there are local or national authorities involved in the quality control, registration and oversight of PGS. The PGS initiatives that are recognized by a local competent authority are all operational.
Recognized by IFOAM – Organics International: IFOAM - Organics International has a program to recognize PGS initiatives all over the world. The PGS initiatives that are officially recognized by IFOAM – Organics International are all operational.
If you are interested in gaining recognition from IFOAM – Organics International for your PGS group, please contact: pgs@ifoam.bio
How to navigate the Map
More Information
More information and resources are available on the IFOAM website and its PGS Toolkit.