Participatory Guarantee System

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PGS India

Participatory Guarantee Systems certify producers through local, trust-based participation.

Participatory Guarantee System of India (PGS-India) is a quality assurance initiative that is locally relevant, emphasizing the participation of stakeholders, including producers and consumers and operate outside the frame of third-party certification. As per IFOAM (2008) definition "Participatory Guarantee Systems are locally focused quality assurance systems. They certify producers based on active participation of stakeholders and are built on a foundation of trust, social networks and knowledge exchange”. In the case of organic agriculture, PGS is a process in which people in similar situations (in this case producers) assess, inspect and verify the production practices of each other and collectively declare the entire holding of the group as organic.

Regional Council - An agency authorized by PGS-NAC to register, coordinate, monitor and approve certification decisions of Local Group under PGS-India organic Guarantee programme.

BGVS has been authorised by National Centre of Organic Farming as a regional council (RC 4705) for PGS certification and working pan IndiaA participatory approach, shared vision, transparency, and trust are the basic element of PGS -India.BGVS is one of the Regional Council (Authorization no. RC/2022/1204) approved by National Executive Committee (PGS -NEC) for offering PGS.

Complaints by public

To RC for issues with Local group, producer, or handler.
To Zonal Council and PGS Secretariat for RC-related concerns.
To ZC/RC for misuse of the PGS-India logo.
To ZC/RC for adverse residue testing reports.

Complaints and Appeal by Local groups

Appeal to the group body if a certification is denied by the committee or due to adverse peer reviews.
Appeal to the Regional or Zonal Council against arbitrary LG decisions or non-compliance with PGS-India norms.
Appeal to the Zonal Council against certification denial by the RC or conflicts of interest.
Contact the PGS Secretariat if the Zonal Council does not address the appeal promptly.

Complaints and Appeals by RCs

To PGS Secretariat against Zonal Councils, monitoring, and review process.
To PGS-NEC against disciplinary actions taken by PGS Secretariat.

Disposal of appeals

All appeals to be disposed-off within a period of 30 days from the date of receipt. In cases if any complaint or appeal necessitates investigation, then appeals to be disposed-off within 90 days of receipt of such complaint.

Links to Operational Guidelines

Download Important Documents for your referance.

In the "Download" section, find key documents like the PGS India Standards and Operational Manual. These outline the certification process and detail the roles and responsibilities of the Regional Council. Accessing these resources will help you understand the certification requirements and procedures.

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