“First we eat and then we sell”: participatory guarantee systems for alternative sustainability certification of Bolivian agri-food products

Expectations and interest are high in participatory guarantee systems (PGS) as a context-specific alternative to third-party sustainability certification. Self-defined criteria, transparency, trust, accessibility have made PGS an attractive exogenous certification local markets over 70 countries. There is also increasing the possibilities for international trade family farm-based products such cocoa or coffee. Bolivia’s was established 2012. By 2017, country ranked second (after India) number of farmers. Since 2019, however, its numbers declining. Visiting six initiatives, we interviewed 38 persons from production, processing, distribution, support networks, policymaking on current situation Bolivia; challenges; prospects local, national, trade; role governmental support. While Bolivia faces challenges – including fees, weak consumer demand, insufficient links broader value chains it displays strong potential make locally managed more accessible. We recommend that decision-makers ensure help promote with consumers. Importing countries could PGS, particular by incentivizing access PGS-certified their national recognizing them organic via peer-to-peer