Welcome: Organic Producers and Consumers
The Outeniqua Natural and Organic Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) was launched on 21 October 2018. Farmers and consumers from the Outeniqua region participated in the inaugural session, during which the PGS’ operating procedures and production standards were agreed.
Participatory Guarantee Systems are locally focused assurance systems that enable market access for smallholder organic farmers. Producers who participate in the system open their doors to farm visits during which peer farmers and consumers come to see first hand the farmer’s production process and verify that organic production standards are adhered to.
The Outeniqua PGS has adopted the South African Organic Sector Organisation’s (SAOSO) Standard for Organic Production and Processing, approved for inclusion in the IFOAM Family of Standards.
Because they are built on a foundation of trust, social networks and knowledge exchange, PGS’ are emerging worldwide as a viable alternative to costly third-party certification. PGS is a system that is well suited to small-scale production and short food supply chain.
As a mechanism designed for supporting farmers to produce organic products and be recognized as organic farmers, the PGS rests on solid documented management systems and procedures. Endorsed farmers will be provided with a certificate endorsing their natural or organic status for explicitly identified crops or animal produce. The PGS also makes clear and previously defined consequences for non-compliance.
To become part of the Outeniqua PGS, farmers are expected to sign a pledge stating their commitment to adhere to organic production principles, pay a membership fee, attend PGS meetings and take part in at least two farm visits per annum.
Any farmer growing organically along the Outeniqua mountain range (roughly from Mossel Bay to the Crags) is welcome to be part of the group. The quarterly PGS meetings will be the occasion to share knowledge, listen to expert talks and demonstrations on organic farming practices and to share seeds.
Consumers are encouraged to actively take part in PGS activities, as a means to support their local food systems, to get to know the growers farming in their area and to take part in the farm visits. At least one consumer must be part of the visiting committee during farm visits; these are aimed to not only guarantee organic production but to get consumers closer to their food basis.
If you wish to become a member of the Outeniqua PGS and for any additional information please contact Sasha, the Outeniqua PGS administrator, by email (sasha@nicheunity.com) or call 074 100 8827.
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Source: Knysna Plett Herald News