Lessons learned from the development process of Participatory guarantee systems for organic agriculture: A case study of participatory organic agriculture network (PGS), Pad Riew, Chachoengsao province

Abstract

The objective of this qualitative research were 1) to study Lessons Learned from the Development Process of Participatory Guarantee Systems for Organic Agriculture (PGS) and 2) to determine factors of success in developing a participatory guaranteed systems for organic agriculture. For the method, this study was conducted using focus group discussion, in-depth interview and participant and non-participant observations. Data were collected from 18 key informants. The findings indicated that PGS development process operated  concurrently with the network development and was divided into 3 stages, namely: 1) the establishment of a network of organic vegetable farmers for PGS development, 2) Network movement and standardization of PGS by organizing participatory learning process, such as plot auditing of members and training, etc., and 3) network growth and expansion of PGS by expanding the recruitment of new members and marketing channels in the distribution of products including related network partners. Key success factors in the development of the PGS network include: 1) members’ attention to the establishment of organic farming networks; 2) participation of all parties; 3) leadership and management of the certification system and networks; 4) relationship development and network utilization; and 5) maintaining relationships and continuous operation.