*Grassroots Certification: An Internationally Recognized Model*
*Ten thousand farmers worldwide have created alternative organic
certification programs, called Participatory Guarantee Systems
(PGS). These PGS programs are fully committed to recognized organic
practices, but they differ from third-party inspector models like the USDA's
National Organic Program (NOP) in that they minimize paperwork and
certification fees, and employ a peer-review inspection process built on
local networks. This model is typically a better fit for small-scale
producers who sell locally and directly to their customers. *