Trust, Grown Together.
Building systems of organic assurance rooted in community participation.
The PGS Organic Council (PGSOC) is a collective of civil society organizations working to strengthen Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) in India.
We believe that trust is the foundation of organic certification — and that trust is best built by the people who grow our food. Through advocacy, collaboration, and on-ground practice, PGSOC supports farmer-led, transparent, and affordable certification systems that uphold the principles of participation and shared responsibility.
Our work bridges policy, practice, and people — ensuring that organic assurance remains not just a compliance tool, but a community process rooted in equity and care for the planet.
What is PGS?
Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) are locally focused quality assurance systems that certify producers based on trust, participation, and transparency.
Unlike third-party systems, PGS relies on community verification — farmers and peers assess each other's practices through observation and shared learning.
This people-centered approach has been recognized by IFOAM – Organics International as a credible alternative to conventional certification for local and domestic markets.
Our Key focus areas
Advocacy
We work to make India's organic certification systems more inclusive, efficient, and responsive to the realities of small and marginal farmers.
Our advocacy includes policy inputs, consultations, workshops, and representation in national and global dialogues on organic assurance.
→ Building stronger systems through collective voice.
Community Certification
PGSOC also facilitates a community-owned certification process that demonstrates how participation and peer review can uphold organic integrity.
This model keeps certification simple, transparent, and affordable — empowering farmers to take charge of their own credibility and markets.
→ Trust is grown, not outsourced.
Collaboration
We bring together Facilitation Councils, NGOs, farmer groups, Social Enterprises and consumers to co-create the future of participatory certification and agroecology in India.
Through partnerships, campaigns, and shared learning, we work to ensure that PGS continues to evolve as a movement — not just a mechanism.
→ Join us in growing participation.
Join the Movement
Become a Member
PGSOC is open to institutional and Associate members — NGOs, cooperatives, farmer federations, and networks — that share our vision for a fair and participatory organic system.
Together, we can ensure that certification remains accessible, transparent, and rooted in the communities that make organic possible.
Pledge
Join the movement for transparency, fairness, and sustainability in organic farming. By taking this pledge, you commit to empowering farmers, protecting biodiversity, and building a healthier food system.
Your voice matters - let's create a future where every meal tells a story of trust and care
Ready to Make a Difference? Take the Pledge Now!
Donations
Support PGSOC's mission to promote sustainable and organic agriculture. Your contributions help empower small farmers and build a healthier food system.
Bank Transfer Details
Account Name: PGSOC
Bank: HDFC Bank
A/C Number: 50200067058841
IFSC: HDFC0000514
“Because organic trust should never be out of reach.”
— PGS Organic Council