Sub-project 5: Organizing a Training Program on the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) at Quy Nhon University

 From August 26th to 28th, the training program on the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS), within the framework of Project 5 under the IUC-QNU Project took place in the Smart Classroom at Quy Nhon University. The event featured participation from experts and teaching assistants from the Center for Organic Agricultural Development (CODAS), as well as lecturers from several faculties and departments.

The training program on “The Participatory Guarantee System” at Quy Nhon University  aimed to provide knowledge on the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) while also offering guidance on establishing PGS in localities within the research areas of Project 5.

In addition to the lecturers from Project 5, the training program also included participants from Projects 2 and 3, which are part of the IUC-QNU Project. These projects share a common focus on enhancing the effectiveness of crop cultivation, managing risks in planting and harvesting, and pursuing sustainable solutions to improve the livelihood for local farmers. As a result, the training program plays a significant role in educating participants about the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) and improving the contribution process from organizations and farmers to both the production and supply of organic products.

Over the course of three days, members of the projects received information from Ms. Tu Thi Tuyet Nhung and Mr. Vu Dinh Cuong, two experts from the Center for Organic Agriculture Development (CODAS), and Ms. Tran Thi Hoa, a teaching assistant from the Vietnam Organic Agriculture Association (VOAA). CODAS, established in 2017 and affiliated with the Vietnam Organic Agriculture Association, brings together leading experts in organic agriculture. Additionally, the Center supports association members by providing production, trade, and value chain development services for organic products.

During the training session, Mrs. Tu Thi Tuyet Nhung, Deputy Director of CODAS and former Head of the PGS Vietnam Coordination Committee, along with her colleagues, provided valuable insights into the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) and its importance in crop cultivation and organic agriculture production. The knowledge shared during the session covered topics such as the steps for establishing a PGS, the organizational structure and functions of PGS, operational tools (such as inputs, inspection and monitoring, certification, record-keeping, packaging, labeling, traceability, and handling complaints), and methods for operating a PGS.

At the end of the training program, the members from the projects gained profound insights into PGS and contributed to refining practices such as teaching and action planning when applying PGS in the context of their projects.