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The future of organic certification: potential impacts of the inclusion of Participatory Guarantee Systems in the European organic regulation

Author

Listed:
  • Giovanna Sacchi

    (University of Turin
    Free University of Bozen-Bolzano)

  • Lavinia Romanello

    (Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna)

  • Maurizio Canavari

    (Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna)

Abstract

Third-party certification (TPC) is the standard approach to quality assurance for organic production, but its administrative burden and cost make it difficult for smallholders to access it. Internal Control Systems (ICS) and Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) are possible alternative approaches because they are more accessible and less costly. Regulation (EU) 2018/848 on organic production allows ICS for small farmers. However, PGS are not included, despite being promoted by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) and officially recognised by several countries worldwide. This study aims to evaluate the possible future inclusion of PGS at the European level. Twenty-eight experts participated in a Delphi exercise, and both optimistic and pessimistic views were agreed upon amongst them. In the pessimistic view, bureaucratic excess and standardisation requirements needed in the process of PGS institutionalisation could emerge, resulting in even more rigid practices compared to the current ones. In the optimistic view, recognising PGS as a legitimate approach to guarantee the quality of organic products could foster the inclusion of smallholders by lowering certification costs, increasing cohesion and competencies amongst rural development actors and increasing the reputation of PGS-certified local products.

Suggested Citation

  • Giovanna Sacchi & Lavinia Romanello & Maurizio Canavari, 2024. "The future of organic certification: potential impacts of the inclusion of Participatory Guarantee Systems in the European organic regulation," Agricultural and Food Economics, Springer;Italian Society of Agricultural Economics (SIDEA), vol. 12(1), pages 1-19, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:agfoec:v:12:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1186_s40100-023-00294-3
    DOI: 10.1186/s40100-023-00294-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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