Which topics does PFA address?

The PFA program is based on the GLOBALG.A.P. IFA standard. While each PFA level, has a shorter list of requirements compared to the IFA version 6 Smart standard, it follows the same format and shares largely the same topics.

Core topics in PFA v6 include :

• Food safety

• Traceability

• Fertilizer application

• Water management

• Integrated pest management and plant protection products

• Harvest and basic postharvest activities

• Hygiene

• Workers’ health, safety, and welfare

• Waste and pollution management, recycling and re-use

• Complaints procedure and recall/withdrawal procedure

• Internal documentation

Standard development

The PFA general rules and the relevant PFA principles are set by GLOBALG.A.P. technical experts and do not undergo a separate public consultation process, as this has already been completed for the IFA standard on which it is based.

Discover more about how PFA helps you address challenges in the agricultural sector.

How does PFA work?

As PFA is intended to build capacity over time via a stepwise approach, the program is available in three levels (Entry level, Intermediate level, and Advanced level), with each level including more principles than the last. Producers can start at the lowest level and progress to higher levels when ready.

PFA levels

• Entry level is the most basic PFA level and has been specifically developed for small-scale producers that might only supply local markets. To better fit the practical capabilities of producers at this level, some of the principles have been simplified and less formal documentation is required. It covers the most basic food safety and traceability requirements to ensure that the building blocks relating to basic food safety principles are established early.

• Intermediate level covers basic food safety and traceability requirements. It is ideal for producers who sell primarily at a local level or are starting the process toward certification.

• Advanced level incorporates stronger food safety and traceability requirements, as well as slightly increased requirements on workers’ health and safety and the environment. This is the highest level of the PFA program.

Eligibility for export

The primary target of PFA is to fulfil the demands of local or regional markets. If you are looking for full certification which is accepted in global markets, explore our core solutions.

Compliance and checklist requirements

The PFA program follows the same format for all levels:

• Compliance with the applicable PFA level requirements is assessed annually by an independent third-party: either a verification body (VB) or a certification body (CB).

• Producers can choose from any PFA approved VB or CB active in the relevant country/region.

• A successful assessment results in a letter of conformance valid for one year.

Each PFA level’s content is formed of principles and guidance. Principles are graded in three categories: Major Must, Minor Must, and Recommendation.

Principles

• Fundamentals that set the foundation of a PFA requirement

• Written as a statement

 Guidance

• Guidance to producers on what to consider when implementing a specific principle

 Read more about the audit process and compliance requirements.

How is assessment status verified?

Every producer registered in the GLOBALG.A.P. certification system is assigned a 13-digit GLOBALG.A.P. identification number (in this case a PFA number – PFA-N). This number allows real-time verification of assessment status in the GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems, upholding our rigorous transparency requirements throughout the supply chain.  

Producers can control data access and privacy rights for assessment reports, and they are not shared publicly or with third parties. This process is handled via your chosen VB or CB.

Which industry challenges does PFA address?  

• Food safety and traceability are fundamental priorities for both consumers and supply chain stakeholders.

• Buyers seek assurance from their suppliers through G.A.P. certification, which is designed to mitigate risks and enhance food safety.

• For small-scale producers or those in emerging markets, meeting these criteria can be difficult due to the scale or complexity of the requirements and implementation costs.

• PFA helps producers to adopt responsible farming practices at their own pace, supporting the improvement of farm management, the reduction of exposure to food safety risks, and compliance with legislation on food safety.

• Through these steps, producers can work towards increased access to local and regional markets and – if desired – eventually achieve full certification and unlock access to global markets.

Follow our five steps to compliance to get started today.

Implementation and assessment process

How does the VB/CB assessment process work?

• PFA compliance is assessed annually by an independent third-party – either a PFA approved VB or CB.

• Producers can choose from any GLOBALG.A.P. approved VB or CB active in the relevant country.

• A successful VB/CB assessment results in a letter of conformance valid for one year.

• The VB/CB is responsible for uploading the assessment report and maintaining the accuracy of producer data in the GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems.

• Producers will be assessed annually as part of the renewal process. 

Which documents are required?

• GLOBALG.A.P. general rules: Rules that define how the verification process works, from the scope of the respective PFA level to the assessment process.

• Principles: Principles are the fundamental PFA requirements for each level. They are written in a statement form and are accompanied by corresponding guidance that details the ways in which a producer can demonstrate compliance.

• Checklist: The full list of PFA level requirements as used by VB/CB assessors, enabling producers to perform a self-assessment in preparation for the on-site VB/CB assessment.

Which version of PFA is currently valid?

PFA is currently available in version 6.  

PFA v5 will remain valid for six months after the launch of PFA v6. Therefore, assessments to PFA v5 will no longer be possible from 1 March 2025. 

The FAQ contains more information on documents, assessment renewal, and more. 

How much does a PFA assessment cost?

Each farm is unique, and the total costs of assessment depend on a combination of factors such as farm size, number of sites, location, necessary preparation measures (such as establishing new procedures), and more. PFA contains three cost elements:

1. Implementation costs
   Incurred by the producer to prepare for the VB/CB assessment

2. CB/VB service fees
   Determined and invoiced by the VB/CB to cover assessment time and travel costs

3. GLOBALG.A.P. registration and assessment license fees
   Calculated based on production area and assessment option, and invoiced by the VB/CB

The GLOBALG.A.P. fee table contains full information on the fee structure for each solution.