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Participatory organic certification in Mexico: an alternative approach to maintaining the integrity of the organic label

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  • Erin Nelson
  • Laura Gómez Tovar
  • Rita Schwentesius Rindermann
  • Manuel Gómez Cruz

Abstract

Over the past two decades the growth of the organic sector has been accompanied by a shift away from first party, or peer review, systems of certification and towards third party certification, in which a disinterested party is responsible for the development of organic standards and the verification of producer compliance. This paper explores some of the limitations of the third party certification model and presents the case of Mexico as an example of how an alternative form of participatory certification has emerged. The paper suggests that participatory guarantee systems (PGS) are reflective of the growing “beyond organic” movement, which focuses on reconstructing the local and re-embedding food systems into their socio-ecological contexts. It argues that PGS offers a number of benefits for producers and consumers, particularly in the South, but that it faces a number of challenges as well, such as a lack of formal recognition, social conflicts and dependence on donated resources. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2010

Suggested Citation

  • Erin Nelson & Laura Gómez Tovar & Rita Schwentesius Rindermann & Manuel Gómez Cruz, 2010. "Participatory organic certification in Mexico: an alternative approach to maintaining the integrity of the organic label," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 27(2), pages 227-237, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:agrhuv:v:27:y:2010:i:2:p:227-237
    DOI: 10.1007/s10460-009-9205-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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