PrimusLabs program designed for smaller growers

11/15/2012 09:07:00 AM
Coral Beach

The second prong of the Small Scale Local Farm Food Safety Program has already been beta-tested by the Yolo County (Calif.) Farm Bureau. Designed to train growers, it is a seven-hour course that can be sponsored by small co-ops, school districts and other entities that want to ensure their local suppliers have adequate food safety programs.

The course includes information about how to develop food safety programs and manuals, as well as mock audits. Garrison said participating growers will be able to submit their manuals and self-audits for review by trainers.

The third aspect of the program is intended to help growers follow through with food safety plans and better connect with customers. It includes software for personal computers and an app for mobile devices so local growers will be able to show customers what they have done in regard to food safety practices.

Comments (3) Leave a comment 

I would be very interested in this audit for small producers. We have citrus, strawberries, blueberries watermelon growers and many are well under 100 acres. Please keep me informed. Thanks Dave

I would be very interested in becoming an auditor. I have a degree in Food Science and 17 years experience in the produce industry. Any help in finding a position would be appreciated.

Susan, Contact Primuslabs or look at their website. They are looking for auditors but it is a rather long process. I am still going through it after 4 months. You have to get certified in HACCP, GFSI auditor course, and then an ISO 22000 or equivalent course, 9001 works. Then you have to job shadow ten audits (which has been hard to complete). After that you have to be evaluated. Then you become a GFSI auditor. Good luck!