ACCC updates horticulture code

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has updated its guidance to the Horticulture Code of Conduct (the Code) to help growers and traders better understand their rights and to fulfil their responsibilities. The mandatory Code governs the relationship between a grower and a trader of horticulture produce to ensure transparency and clarity of trading arrangements in the horticulture industry and provide a fair and equitable dispute resolution procedure. Since the current version of the Code was released in 2018, Fresh Markets Australia (FMA) and state wholesaler chambers (including Brismark) have undertaken several rounds of training and refresher training to assist central market primary wholesalers to comply with the Code. The ACCC’s Agriculture Commissioner, Mick Keogh, and Assistant Director, Sharyn Vaughan, recently toured the Brisbane Produce Market and were provided with a briefing about the new guidance from the perspective of Brisbane Produce Market wholesalers. According to FMA General Manager, Gail Woods, the years since the Code was released have provided the opportunity for multiple rounds of compliance checks, as well as the opportunity for helpful industry feedback. “The central markets are a vital link in the fresh produce supply chain and as such we welcome the opportunity to meet

Touring the markets: Andrew Young (CEO of Brisbane Markets Limited and Brismark), Mick Keogh (ACCC Agriculture Commissioner), Sharyn Vaughan (ACCC Assistant Director) and Gail Woods (Fresh Markets Australia General Manager).

with the ACCC to talk about the new guidance and other Code related matters,” Ms Woods said. “It is important that growers as well as wholesalers are aware of their rights and responsibilities under the Code.” The ACCC has stated that it intends to conduct ongoing compliance checks in the horticulture industry and will strongly consider enforcement action where it identifies non-compliance. These checks are important in assessing the effectiveness of, and level of compliance with, the Code. Want to know more about the Horticulture Code of Conduct? Just click or scan the QR code.