The National Farmers’ Federation Horticulture Council has welcomed today’s announcement by the Australian Government of an independent review of the Horticulture Code of Conduct.
NFF Horticulture Council Chair Jolyon Burnett said the review is a timely opportunity to strengthen fairness and transparency in Australia’s rapidly expanding horticulture sector.
“Growers rely on the Horticulture Code to ensure they are treated fairly and their product is traded with transparency and accountability. A decade on from the last review, the structure of the industry and the challenges facing growers have evolved. Now is the right time to take a fresh look at whether the Code is delivering what it needs to, and where improvements can be made,” Mr Burnett said.
“With heightened expectations of supermarket buyers either now enacted within the recently updated Food and Grocery Code of Conduct or recommended by the ACCC, we should use this chance to ensure our expectations of wholesale buyers remain reasonable after 10 years or progress, particularly in terms of the timeliness of sharing transaction information.
“We welcome the appointment of Mr Chris Leptos AO to lead this process and look forward to working constructively with him. Growers across the country continue to face tight margins, rising costs and increased market concentration. Ensuring the Code remains strong, modern and fit‑for‑purpose is essential to a fair and competitive supply chain.”
Mr Burnett encouraged growers, wholesalers and other supply‑chain participants to engage in the consultation process.
“It’s critical that the voices of growers are heard clearly in this review. The outcomes will shape how business is conducted in wholesale markets for years to come,” he said.
The NFF Horticulture Council will prepare a detailed submission and consult widely with industry to support strong and practical reforms.
Stacey Davidson