SILA
Standard in Local Agroecology
SILA is a community-led certification system that supports agroecology in Lebanon by building trust between farmers and the people committed to local food sovereignty.
SILA brings together farmers and consumers in a participatory system where everyone has a role to play — from peer learning to review visits and collective decision-making.
SILA & PGS
SILA is informed by Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS), an internationally recognized, community-based approach to certify small scale farmers in agroecology practices & standards.
"Participatory Guarantee Systems are locally focused quality assurance systems. They certify producers based on active participation of stakeholders and are built on a foundation of trust, social networks and knowledge exchange."— IFOAM Organics International
The Certification Process
Follow the journey from registration to full agroecological certification.
Application
Farmer applies for SILA certification.
Review
SILA coordination team reviews the application.
Review Team Assignment
A review team is formed (3–5 farm reviewers: 2 farmers/trained farm reviewers + up to 3 prosumers), ideally from the same or nearby geographical area as the farm, to strengthen local knowledge, relationships, and contextual understanding.
Farm 1st Visit
Peer-review visit #1 is conducted.
Feedback & Recommendations
Feedback and recommendations are shared to the farmer, and a follow-up visit is scheduled.
Farm 2nd Visit
Follow-up peer-review visit is conducted.
Decision
Certification decision is made by the Certifying Committee.
Certification Status
Farms receive one of two certification levels based on their compliance.
Note: New farms receive 2 inspection visits in their first year. Certified farms receive 1 annual renewal visit.
Read the SILA Standards & Practices Guide
At the core of SILA is the Standards & Practices Guide, a shared reference used during peer-review visits and certification decisions. This guide was co-developed by farmers, prosumers, and agroecology experts, ensuring that it is accessible, practical, and grounded in Lebanon’s context.
Download Standards GuideWhy Join the SILA Network?
Be part of a movement that values community, sustainability, and local food systems.
Food Sovereignty Movement
Join a growing network committed to local food sovereignty and community-led agriculture.
Farmers as Land Stewards
Recognize and support farmers as guardians of the land, biodiversity, and traditional knowledge.
Accessible, Low-Cost
Affordable certification that doesn't burden small-scale farmers with expensive third-party costs.
Trust-Based Relationships
Build direct connections between farmers and prosumers based on transparency and trust.
Knowledge Exchange
Learn from peer farmers and share best practices through regular community gatherings and visits.
Resilient Local Food Systems
Contributes to resilient, decentralized food systems across Lebanon.
Local Production & Consumption
Shorten the distance between field and table by supporting locally grown, seasonal food that strengthens the community economy.