Resources
Here we answer all your questions about PGS, you can access our foundational documents, and download marketing materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
PGS Resources
PGS Marketing Pack
FAQ
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What is PGS?
Why do we need PGS?
A PGS is a more accessible way for smallholder farmers to guarantee that their produce is grown organically and they are more inclusive than third-party certification because consumers, traders, distributors and processors can play a role. Importantly, PGSs are designed as a short supply chain, to nurture the local supply of organic produce getting into the local market, with an emphasis on giving the farmer a fair price and the localization of local food systems. They also give consumers the means to join informative, fun farm tours and to truly understand where their food comes form and to support their local farmers.
In a nutshell, PGS :
• Is an accessible way for smallholder farmers to guarantee their produce is organic.
• Reduces bureaucracy in the organic guarantee process.
• Promotes equity and fairness throughout the production chain.
• Promotes consumer access to organic products.
• Is inclusive as consumers, traders, distributors and processors play an active role.
• Supports food system transformation by building alternative and local food networks.
• Enhances ownership of production standards and certification among PGS members.
• Supports a continuous improvement of practices enhanced by knowledge exchange.
How do I get involved?
• Approach your local PGS to see what support they need, which could entail helping with transporting farmers on farm visits, or helping with administration, marketing or planning events.
• If no PGS exists in your area, you can mobilise your farmers and consumers and set one up, with the support of PGS SA and the PGS provincial representative.
• You can also donate funds to PGS SA and earmark your funds for any specific support to growing the organic value chain in South Africa.
What is the role of retailers and consumers within PGS?
As a consumer, you should be looking out for the PGS seal and question your local producers on whether what they offer is organically grown, or if they do claim to be organic, you can tell them about PGS and the need to back their claims through certification. you can contribute to building a trust based, localised organic certification body that is run by farmers for farmers.
Market spaces need to support PGS certified farmers by allocating shelf space for their produce and by clearly labelling the produce that is PGS or third party organic certified, meaning that any other produce should be considered as conventional. Introducing differentiating labelling is key to building consumer trust and also creating demand for organic produce.
What PGS groups already exist in South Africa?
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How can I start a PGS in my area?
As a first step, you should contact with the support of PGS SA and your PGS provincial representative to inquire whether any PGS group might be forming in your area. They might be able to put you in contact with other stakeholders also keen on starting a PGS in your area. If you need to start a PGS from scratch, you can use the resources available t which elucidate key principles and characteristics of a PGS, to guide you.
A key principle of PGS to remember when embarking on creating your PGS is that they are actively inclusive – seeking input from all stakeholders. Primary stakeholders include farmers and consumers, but farmers’ NGOs, consumer groups, environmental groups, and local and regional government agencies may all be involved in the PGS.
PGS SA will guide you through all the steps in setting up the PGS and you might be able to receive direct support from the PGS provincial representative.
What are the (in)direct costs associated with PGS and what involvement is expected of farmers?
PGS are characterised by lower direct costs as compared to individual third-party certification. Most PGS groups will ask for a small membership fee from their members (this is set by the PGS group itself) but the main currency required in operating a PGS is that of time; different PGS require different levels of farmer involvement. At a minimum, farmers (and consumers) are integrally involved in peer- reviews of each other’s operations. Farmers are also usually involved at the local level indirectly deciding on standards adopted, questions of certification as well as consequences for irregularities based on pre-agreed upon guidelines for managing non-compliance.
If farmers are not as involved in the operations of the PGS, this might entail bearing the costs of a PGS administrator or administration team, with each team member possibly assuming a different “portfolio” in running the PGS (membership, events, marketing, administrating farm visits – which can come at a small fee). Every PGS has a different model and PGS groups can learn a lot from one another.
What standard does a local PGS follow?
What inputs are allowed in a PGS group?
However, given that the organic sector in South Africa is still in its infancy, the standard also allows for derogations from the standards.. This is particularly true for seeds and animal feed. The organic sector working group are currently working on a guidebook for PGS administrators in which the derogations from the standards will be explained with a specific focus on PGS and making the entry into organic farming more accessible.
How does PGS differ from third party certification?
PGS Resources
Consumer facing Resources
Practitioner Resources
Market development Resources
PGS Webinars
PGS Sectoral webinar
PGS has developed additional documents, such as a step-by-step guide on how to run farm visits, a farm assessment reporting template, checklists and guidelines to use during and to prep for farm visits, and a booklet for farm visit administrators (forthcoming). Please contact PGS SA at info@pgssa.org.za to become a PGS SA member and access these resources.
PGS Marketing Pack
How PGS works infographic
Elements and features of a PGS infographic
Photo and video guidelines
Resource Articles
GROWING THE ORGANIC SECTOR IN SOUTH AFRICA
Basic Production Principles