| Due to the expenses and impracticality of the traditional organic certification process for small-scale farmers, the recognition and further development of alternative certification programs in Latin America, specifically Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS), could be a positive opportunity for small-scale farmers to contribute to the organic food movement and expand the possibilities for producing and marketing organic produce. Research conducted in Summer 2010, consisting of semi-structured interviews and participant observation, explores an existing successful Participatory Guarantee System in southern Brazil and investigates the reasons for its widespread acceptance by consumers and society. The research also explores possibilities within Argentina for small-scale organic farmers to incorporate alternative certification as a way to increase marketability. The expansion of possibilities for small-scale organic farmers in these countries could have widespread positive impacts on community development, food security, human health, and the environment. This research contributes to broader globalization studies on sustainable development. |
