As the number of farmers and consumers for organic produce increase, there has been a corresponding growth in the number of Participatory Guarantee System (PGS). Basically, PGS are locally focused quality assurance systems. They certify producers based on active participation of the stake holders and are built on a foundation of trust, social networks and knowledge exchange.

PGS have evolved and are in practice around the world. These systems often not only guarantee the credibility of the organic produce, but are crucially linked to local and alternative marketing approaches. Though they might vary in their methodology and approach, the belief in the same core principles brings them together on a common platform.

Recognising this crucial niche that PGS occupies, the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM) and the Latin American Agroecology Movement (MAELA) jointly hosted an International Workshop on Alternative certification (now referred to as Participatory Guarantee system or PGS) in Brazil in 2004. Some of the key issues for discussion focused on the common grounds between the various systems and how they could be provided legitimacy.

To provide continuity to the discussions and actions, a Working Group was elected from the participants. Many individuals and groups support and give inputs to the Working Group. The documents and the information material available on this site are part of a constantly evolving and learning process to “develop, facilitate and encourage PGS around the world”.

This year Bhutan’s National Organic Programme (NOP) organised the workshop in the country considering the aforementioned importance.

The two days workshop on “Agriculture Strategy, and Standards and Certification Systems” was held at the conference hall of the Bhutan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) yesterday 18^th-January-2010. 

According to Ms. Kesang Tshomo, (National Coordinator, NOP), the workshop is being conducted with the main intention to follow up of the drafting of the two documents, National Organic Standard and the development of Organic Agriculture Strategy/ Implementation plan with contributions and feedbacks from focal members from various relevant agencies formed at the end of 2008.  She said that the two particular documents will be presented to the floor for the discussion to draw the specifics details for practical implementation and coordination amongst the different stakeholders. She also said, this workshop should come out with clear guidelines and directions for NOP to operate in its implementation role.

Mr. Ganesh Chettri, Joint Director and Specialist of the Department of Agriculture addressing the participants 

In his opening session, Mr. Chencho Norbu, the Director of the Department of Agriculture, extended his warm welcome to the various experts from the different countries and agencies. He said that since Bhutan had a low population, the numbers of farmers in the country are also collectively less with most of those farmers being unaware of the essentials of organic farming. He said that the Ministry was trying various alternatives to make the people in farming activities aware of the importance of organic farming. He said, once the farmers were made aware of these essentials of organic farming, then they will start implementing it practically, and people abroad would start buying organic products from our country.

The Hon’ble Director also pointed out the value of organic products by giving an example of an apple with a hole in it, affected by some insects, but produced organically and an apple which looked fresh with attractive colours but grown through the use of chemicals and fertilisers. He said the people would still buy the apple with the hole and fewer colours, since it was produced in a purely organic manner.

The workshop participants included focal members for Standards Drafting group and the Technical Working Group for Organic Development. Participants from related agencies with common interest in organic sector development also took part.

Ms. Kesang Tshomo, the NOP Coordinator, thanked the support of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM) in her welcome speech, for bringing their Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) global annual meeting to Bhutan and in addition supporting NOP by bringing in Mr. Gunner Rundgren to provide guidance and advice for development of the organic sector in Bhutan.

Mr. Gunnar Rundgren has been in the scene of Organic Agriculture (OA) since the very beginning in Sweden. He is one of the founders of the industry and the KRAV standards in Sweden which is recognised by over 98% of the people and held very highly. He was also president of IFOAM not very long ago.  

From right- Mr. Gunnar Rundgren; Dr. Thimmaiah, SNV Organic consultant who works with the NOP and Mr. Dawa Penjor, Programme Director, National Mushroom Centre.

Ms. Kesang, also thanked Ms. Joelle Kato and Mr. Mathew John for agreeing to be part of this workshop and share their experiences and global situations in the Participatory Guarantee System with the workshop participants.

The National Organic Programme presented their documents from the workshop for a final discussion to incorporate all additional comments and changes before printing the final documents.

Reported by Chencho Gyaltshen, ICS and Photos by Choidup Zangpo, ICS.