Abstract
The increasing number of producers and consumers of organic products means that there is an increasing need to guarantee the organic characteristics of organic products. Certification is a tool that bridges the information deficit between demand and supply, ensuring that a product complies with the specified standards. Third-party certification (TPC) is the main tool for assessing compliance today. However, there have been criticisms about the suitability of TPC for small-scale producers and alternative certification systems have been developed, such as Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS). PGS are quality assurance systems in which stakeholders are expected to be involved and assure the quality claims being made by producers. This paper presents three PGS initiatives in Spain. The research methods used in this study were semi-structured and structured interviews. Interviewees felt that their PGS initiatives fulfilled the important motivations of building a community and adding value to their products. The main challenges mentioned were the participation of stakeholders and the efficiency of internal organization. The absence of official recognition for PGS in Spain and insufficient dissemination were also perceived as challenges. Although PGS has the potential for further development in Spain, the interviewees believed that more support and official recognition were still required.
Highlights
In Europe in recent decades, organic agriculture has evolved alongside the regulations that are applicable to it, as well as support programs and subsidies available to the organic sector [1]
There are Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) initiatives that were established with the help of a Market; a network of Markets, such as the Mexican network of tianguis and organic markets; or, as it happens in the Philippines, with the help of an association of sustainable agriculture
Producers of the PGS initiatives studied look for a seal that reflects the work and values behind their products
Summary
In Europe in recent decades, organic agriculture has evolved alongside the regulations that are applicable to it, as well as support programs and subsidies available to the organic sector [1]. Based on these regulations, a control and certification system for organic production is in place in Europe and in an equivalent way for organic imports to Europe as well. Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) appeared as an alternative to TPC. PGS are expected to provide an organic guarantee, based on the participation of producers and other stakeholders, and are built on participation, trust, social networks and knowledge exchange
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
