From Farm to Certification: Understanding PGS & the Importance of Record Keeping
Organic farming is not only about what we grow — it is also about how we grow it, how we document our practices, and how we build trust with consumers. 🌱🥕
In Episode 2 of our Organic Certification series, we take a closer look at the steps involved in Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) organic certification and why proper record keeping is an important part of producing organic vegetable products.
🌿 What is the PGS certification process?
The Participatory Guarantee System provides a way for producers to participate in a local, community-based approach to organic verification. The certification process involves several important steps.
As highlighted in the presentation, producers begin by submitting an agreement form and additional documents to the Namibia Organic Association (NOA). This is followed by a pre-assessment, where information about the farming operation is reviewed. 🌱
Where necessary, additional information or feedback may be requested before the process continues to the next stage.
The process then includes a physical farm assessment, followed by the relevant certification decision. The aim is to create a system where organic practices can be assessed and documented through participation and accountability.
📝 Why is record keeping important?
For organic vegetable producers, keeping good records is an essential part of demonstrating what happens on the farm.
Record keeping can help producers keep track of their farming activities and provide useful information during the certification and assessment process. It creates a record of the journey from planting and production to harvesting and selling. 🥬📖
Good records can help answer important questions such as:
- 🌱 What was planted?
- 💧 What inputs or methods were used?
- 🥕 When were crops planted and harvested?
- 📦 What quantities were produced?
- 🛒 What products were sold?
- 📋 What information is needed during an assessment?
For producers working towards organic certification, documentation is therefore more than paperwork — it forms part of the traceability and transparency of the farming system.
🌍 Building trust in organic products
Organic certification helps create greater confidence between farmers, markets and consumers. When producers follow the required processes and maintain appropriate records, they can demonstrate the practices behind their products.
At Living Earth, we believe that knowledge is a powerful tool for building more sustainable food systems. 🌍💚 Through education and access to information, we can support producers and communities in understanding the systems that make sustainable agriculture possible.
Watch Episode 2 to learn more about PGS organic certification and the importance of record keeping for organic vegetable products. 🌱🎥