PrimusGFS Certification for Produce Businesses That Need Audit-Ready Food Safety Systems
If you work in fresh produce, buyers and supply chain partners may expect proof that your food safety systems meet recognized requirements. PrimusGFS certification helps show that your farm, harvest, storage, handling, or processing operations are aligned with a GFSI-benchmarked scheme for the produce sector.
QIMA supports produce businesses needing PrimusGFS certification with certification services for applicable operations across pre- and post-farm gate activities.
What is PrimusGFS Certification?
PrimusGFS is a GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme for the produce sector. It applies to farms, indoor agriculture, harvest crews, and facilities involved in the storage, handling, or processing of agricultural products across pre- to post-farm gate production.
The scheme covers Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Food Safety Management Systems. PrimusGFS certification helps show your customers that your food safety programs align with recognized food safety requirements.
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Who is PrimusGFS Certification for?
PrimusGFS certification is relevant for businesses operating in the fresh produce sector, including:
Farms (ranches)
Indoor agriculture (greenhouses)
Harvest crews
Storage and distribution
Cooler/cold storage
Packing house
Processing
What Does a PrimusGFS Audit Assess?
The PrimusGFS Standard includes seven modules that apply depending on your operation:
Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS)
Farm (GAP)
Indoor Agriculture (GAP)
Harvest Crew (GAP)
Facility (GMP)
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points – HACCP (GMP)
Preventive Control (GMP)
How Does PrimusGFS Certification Work?
The exact certification path depends on your operation and scope, but the process generally includes the following stages:
Define the scope of your PrimusGFS certification
Identify which PrimusGFS modules apply to your operation
Review your food safety programs and site readiness
Complete the certification audit
Address any required follow-up actions and move toward certification
What are the Benefits of PrimusGFS Certification?
Show that your business can produce safe products to customer specifications
Reduce duplicate audits with a standardized checklist and assessment system
Improve the efficiency of your farming operations
Meet GAP and GMP requirements within the PrimusGFS scheme
Support compliance with food safety requirements
PrimusGFS Version 4.0 was developed to hone your food-safety system against current benchmarks and regulations. It addresses GFSI’s 2024 requirements while embedding FSMA priorities and industry feedback for clarity and practicality.
Why Choose QIMA for PrimusGFS Certification?
QIMA supports PrimusGFS certification with service, audit coordination, and food safety expertise for produce-sector operations.
Clear Support Throughout Certification
Responsive technical support at every stage
Transparent certification process
On-time certification delivery
Service quality reflected in a 72 NPS score
Ways to Reduce Time and Site Disruption
Multi-scheme audits can reduce site visits and costs
Streamlined processes can reduce operational disruption
Local auditor deployment helps support scheduling efficiency
Food Safety Experience Across Certification Services
30+ years supporting food safety, organic, and sustainability standards
Certification services that support operations across the food supply chain
Advanced technology for compliance monitoring
Talk to an expert about PrimusGFS certification. If you want to learn more, download our insert and discover how we can support your business.
PrimusGFS FAQs
What is PrimusGFS certification?
PrimusGFS certification is a GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme for the produce sector covering applicable farm, harvest, handling, storage, and processing operations.
Who is PrimusGFS certification for?
Farms, indoor agriculture, harvest crews, storage and distribution, cooler or cold storage, packing houses, and processing operations in the fresh produce sector.
What does a PrimusGFS audit assess?
PrimusGFS includes modules for Food Safety Management Systems, GAP, GMP, HACCP, and Preventive Control, depending on the operation.
Is PrimusGFS a food safety standard for produce?
Yes. PrimusGFS is a GFSI-benchmarked scheme for produce-sector certification covering food safety requirements across the supply chain.
Can PrimusGFS certification help reduce duplicate audits?
Duplicate audits can be avoided by implementing a standardized checklist and assessment system.
Does QIMA offer PrimusGFS certification for fresh-cut produce?
Yes. QIMA offers certification under the PrimusGFS scheme for the produce sector, including fresh-cut produce.