Participatory Guarantee Systems in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil: Transcending the insurance of organic products quality

Abstract

Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) and Social Control Organizations represent 90% of
the assurance mechanisms of organic producers in Rio de Janeiro state. These systems consider
social control and joint responsibility as the basis for organic quality assurance, but their
benefits go beyond credibility generation. This study analyses the scenario of social technology
construction and application in the PGS groups of ABIO - Biological Farmers Association
of Rio de Janeiro State. Results show the growth in the number of organic producers (around
352% in 6 years), participatory research methodologies, technical assistance and training in
agroecology and the strengthening of stakeholder networks. The challenges are: incorporate
innovations to assist in the records and traceability of organic products; bring producers and
consumers, scientists and technical workers together, enabling the access to organic products
on a large scale and greater social control.