The document discusses group certification for small-scale aquaculture farmers. It outlines some of the challenges with group certification, including defining what constitutes a group, governance structures, legal issues, and ensuring social and economic feasibility. Two potential models for group certification are explored: a guarantee model using participatory approaches or a legal entity model with more formal structures. Further research is still needed to determine the best approaches and how to finance certification for small producers.

1. Development of Group Certification in Small Scale Aquaculture Science Week 2011 Certification Systems in Aquaculture Work in progress: DOF/FAO TCP Project “Small-scale aquaculture certification in Thailand” 2011

2. The certification jungle

3. Dwindling market opportunities? Nearly 100 products in the assortment of METRO GROUP comply with the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) requirements Mc Donald US: 100 % of the whitefish used comes from MSC-certified fisheries Starting in October 2011 , the 7,000 McDonald’s across 39 countries that serve 13 million customers daily will serve MSC certified fish sandwich. Sodexo: 100 % of the fresh and frozen produce will have to meet Marine Stewardship Council, or Best Aquaculture Practices standards . Greenpeace Best of Sustainable Seafood Retailers

10. Schedule of implementation Sustainable balance between awareness, capacity, social demands and technical needs Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 GOAL Volunteer Farmer Group Farmer Business Group Certified Farmer Business Group Farmer Business Consortium Achievement Matching of farmers and group inception Consolidated formal group, GAP applied 3rd party certification finance Coordinated marketing, collaboration between groups Steps … … … …

12. Thank You

13. Participatory Guarantee System PGS built on a foundation of trust, social networks and knowledge exchange. Models without legal entity Processor Mangement Retailer Contracted retailer , who agree with Organic certification scheme No legal entity but pledge To comply with organic production rules might be cooperative for marketing Ethical committee Internal farmer to farmer audits

14. Legal entity models Strictly regulations Environmental Social (community) Fairtrade and NACSA favor smallholders

19. CRP 3.7 Consolidating emerging lessons on how to apply business development services to stimulate small‐scale agri‐business (e.g., …certification schemes..) Would attaining certification significantly reduce the incidence of trade related shocks? What other steps can be taken improve quality and value? CRP 1.3Strategies are also needed for developing effective public‐private partnerships with the local and international commercial sector to provide commercial services appropriately formulated for pro‐poor value chains… CRP 4 Subcomponent 1: Improving food safety