What is an Organic Product?
Any product (food, cosmetic, textile, handicraft, etc.) produced in accordance with the principles and the requirements of Organic Agriculture: "Organic Agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles apted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic Agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved"
In practice, organic farmers and processors:
. Do not use chemical pesticides or fertiliuzeers which are harmful to people and the environment, and damage soil fertility.
. Use ecological methods to protect crops from pests, diseases and weeds and to build soil fertility.
. Do not use Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
. Protect the podect from any contamination and use only natural ingredients in processed goods.
. Treat farm animals fairly and maintain their health through natural ways, minimizing use of antibiotics and substances that can harm consumer's health.
How Can I be Sure That a Product is Really Organic?
Organic products from our region are produced according to the East African Organic Product Standard (EAOPS) and bear the kilimohai mark:
The EAOPS is a standard that is locally adapted and enjoys international recognition: it is approved in the IFOAM Family of Standards.
Who Guarantees That a Product is Really Organic?
The kilimohai mark is only granted to organic producers once they are verfied and approved through: An independent Certification Body or a Participatory Guarantee System (PGS). You can get information about independent Certification bodies and the process of Certification from your national organic agriculture movement (NOAM).
What is a Participatory Guarantee System (PGS)?
"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".
What are the Advantages of a PGS?
PGS are directly managed and implemented by organic producers, consumers and other interested parties. The vertification is participatory. It develops a shared sense of responsibility between producers and consumers and enables everyone to take an active part in the process. It facilites the exchange of knowledge between producers (capacity building) and with consumers, to increase understanding of organic agriculture by all. It promotes transparency and equity amongst all members which makes it socially and cultural appropriate.
How Does the PGS work in East Africa
Every PGS is different because it is locally adapted and depends on the local stakeholders. But some features are common to all:
A broad paticipatory process
1. Producers, consumers and other stakeholders such as technicians are part of the process. All participate
. Decision making
. Approving producers.
. Sharing knowledge
2. Each producer is subject to an annual farm inspection by an inspection group composed of the various stakeholders. An inspection report is produced which indicates the compliance or non-compliances of the producer with the standard.
A logo to trust
Approved farmers and processors recieve a certificate and can use the East African Organic (Kilimohai) mak on their products.
National supervision and international recognition
Only PGS approved by their NOAM grant the use of the kilimohai mark to their producers. The TOAM represents the whole organic sector nationally and checks that the PGS are properly functioning, according to well-defined criteria that have been developed at the international level
PGS: A Trusted Approach Across the Globe
PGS exist in over 40 countries, including in the USA, France, India, Brazil, Vietnam, Australia, South Africa, Peru...IFOAM, the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, recognizes and promotes PGS as a guarantee system that is highly suitable for the devepment of local organic markets and the empowerment of local communities. Want to know more ? IFOAM has a complete web section with PGS resources on www.ifoam.org/pgs. To buy products guaranteed through PGS, to get involved in the guarantee process, to support a project, or simply to learn more, contact your NOAM, visit www.ifoam.org/pgs or write to pgs@ifoam.org
PGS in East Africa is supported by:
The Tanzania Organic Agriculture Movement (TOAM)
The National Organic Agricultural Movement of Uganda (NOGAMU)
The Kenyan Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN)
The Rwanda Organic Agriculture Movement (ROAM)
The Burundi Organic Agriculture Movement (BOAM)
