YOUR INDUSTRY
NZGAP CONTRACTOR STANDARD RAISING THE BAR FOR WORKER WELFARE Words by Hugh Chesterman : HortNZ
Tongan RSE workers planting 'Rockit' apples in Hawke's Bay
The NZGAP (Good Agricultural Practice) Contractor Standard is rolling out, with Thornhill being the first contractor to gain audited accreditation. Richard Bibby, manager of Thornhill contracting, says that it has already been really positive since becoming certified with the new standard. "Our clients have been really happy with the new standard," said Richard. "It gives them an extra level of confidence that we're an ethical employer and meet labour compliance standards. "The Contractor Standard is an extra layer of safety for our clients. It enhances our relationships with the growers that we work with because they know that all workers on their site are being treated fairly and well. "It’s not just talk; we’re actually making positive changes for our staff and improving things. You can step onto an orchard, vegetable paddock or vineyard and talk to the workers and see that we’re making genuine improvements to their welfare. 34 NZGROWER : JUNE 2021
We’re getting more requests from proactive growers who want to be able to tell their customers with certainty that, from paddock to plate, all their staff are treated fairly, and they meet international welfare standards The NZGAP Contractor Standard enables contractors to demonstrate compliance and supply services to both NZGAP and GLOBALG.A.P. certified growers. By choosing to use a certified contractor, there is less due diligence burden on growers because the contractor is vetted and regularly audited to New Zealand and international worker welfare standards. NZGAP Contractor Standard certification gives growers assurance that their contractor is fully compliant.
