Fair Farms Certification accepted by all three major retailers
T
he Australian horticulture sector continues to back the industry developed Fair Farms Training and Certification Program demonstrating industry’s commitment to stamping out workplace non-compliance and worker exploitation. Fair Farms is built on the idea that compliant and ethical employers should be recognised and rewarded for their efforts by their customers and consumers, who may choose to buy Australian produce from ethically verified sources.
In a positive outcome for the program, Coles recently confirmed it would now accept Fair Farms Certification as a way by which fresh produce suppliers can demonstrate compliance with the Coles Ethical Sourcing Policy. This announcement by Coles means Fair Farms Certification is now accepted by all three major retailers in Australia: Coles, Woolworths and Aldi.
Coles General Manager Fresh Produce Craig Taylor said the supermarket was proud to give the Fair Farms training and certification program the tick of approval. “Around 95 per cent of the fresh produce we sell comes from Australian farms, and it’s important to Coles and to our customers that the workers in our supply chain are treated fairly. “By adopting this additional industrybased solution that can be used by all suppliers regardless of who buys their produce, Coles is making it easier for Aussie farmers to meet ethical workplace standards.”
New National Program Manager announced
PHOTO © GROWCOM
YOUR INDUSTRY
3 MARSHA Aralar, Fair Farms National Program Manager
Eager to strengthen relationships across horticultural and grower communities, Ms Aralar’s international qualifications in quality assurance and public health coupled with an energetic personality mark an exciting new period for Fair Farms. “Our goal from here is to build a critical mass of Fair Farms certified businesses. This will enable ethical buyers and sellers to work towards improving the conditions for farm workers, stamping out exploitation,” Ms Aralar said.
“95% of the fresh produce we sell comes from Australian farms...” Craig Taylor, COLES
Fair Farms in August announced the appointment of Marsha Aralar as its new National Program Manager. Ms Aralar brings a wealth of experience to her role as National Program Manager, having worked in a variety of food safety and compliance roles across Australia and the Middle East. “In my previous role I was lucky enough to get onto farms and get my boots dirty. I really enjoy engaging with growers, getting to understand their business and concerns, and helping them meet market and regulatory requirements,” Ms Aralar said.
“It is an exciting time to join the team at Growcom. I am looking forward to further enhancing Fair Farms and driving the continued success of the program and showcasing our world-class growers.”
Fair Farms is developed and delivered by Growcom with support from the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Federal Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment and AUSVEG. MORE INFORMATION For more information visit the Fair Farms website: www.fairfarms.com.au
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