Food fraud highlights the unfair fight for retail shelf space
The NFF Horticulture Council says revelations expected in tonight’s Four Corners investigation into food fraud should prompt a broader conversation about whether imported food products are being held to the same standards as Australian-grown produce. Four Corners’ two-part investigation, Duped: Food Exposed, is expected to examine food authenticity, misleading origin claims, undeclared ingredients and the […]
Paul Burke appointed Independent Chair of NFF Horticulture Council
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) Horticulture Council has appointed Paul Burke as its new independent Chair, bringing extensive experience in agricultural industry representation, governance and advocacy to the role. Mr Burke’s appointment follows a rigorous, merit-based recruitment process undertaken by the Council over recent months. He succeeds Jolyon Burnett, who has chaired the Council since […]
Horticulture calls on supermarkets to accept price increases to protect food supply
The NFF Horticulture Council has today written an open letter to Australia’s major supermarket chains urging them to respond promptly and constructively to price increase requests from fresh produce suppliers, as fuel and freight costs continue to escalate. Fuel prices, fuel levies and transport surcharges are rising rapidly and, in some cases, changing daily. For […]
NFF Horticulture Council welcomes review of Code of Conduct
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 […]
Supermarkets a danger to fresh produce viability
The final report of the Supermarket Inquiry from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) warns Coles’ and Woolworths’ exercise of market power and preservation of their information advantage over fresh produce suppliers will have significant long-term consequences for the efficiency and sustainability of Australia’s fresh produce sector. In response, the ACCC reserves over half […]
To feast or famine: a question for the next Federal Government
The NFF Horticulture Council has today launched its election platform, challenging the next Federal Government on its role in securing the nation’s food supply as rising prices strain household budgets. Entitled Feast or famine, the platform identifies a series of major challenges facing the national fruit, vegetable, nut, nursery and turf industries and in response […]
Have Yourself a Fair Affordable Christmas
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) Horticulture Council is encouraging Australians to make thoughtful shopping choices this festive season to save money, eat well, and support Aussie farmers. With just three simple changes, holiday shoppers can create a delicious and thrifty Christmas spread while backing Australian agriculture. Three Easy Ways to Shop Smarter This Christmas 1. […]
Statement on ABARES horticulture labour analysis
Attributable to NFF Horticulture Council Executive Officer Richard Shannon The NFF Horticulture Council has welcomed recent work by ABARES that provides a better view of the workforce challenges in horticulture. Bright spots include findings that fewer businesses are struggling to find workers and that employment numbers overall are up. The findings do need to be […]
Industry welcomes Opposition improvements to food code
The NFF Horticulture Council has today welcomed improvements to the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct tabled in Parliament by the Federal Opposition. Chair of the Council, Jolyon Burnett said industry had appreciated the time the Opposition had taken to understanding the unique concerns of fresh produce growers when supplying the major supermarkets. “From the […]
Draft food code aids, abets and perpetuates supermarket power imbalance
The NFF Horticulture Council has today confirmed it cannot support an updated Food and Grocery Code of Conduct that resembles the draft recently shared for comment. Chair of the Council, Jolyon Burnett said while the industry had welcomed improvements proposed for the Code, including making it mandatory, increased penalties, and more accessible dispute resolution processes, […]