AUSVEG, Australia’s peak industry body for vegetable and potato growers, is supportive of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and its recent increased interest in Australian horticulture.
This follows the announcement from the ACCC that it has issued its first infringement notice for an alleged breach of the Horticulture Code.
AUSVEG has been a strong and vocal supporter of the Horticulture Code and has reinforced its message to industry that it must have written horticultural produce agreements (HPAs) in place that comply with the Horticulture Code.
The Horticulture Code of Conduct is a mandatory industry code prescribed under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. It came into full effect on 1 April 2018. It prohibits growers and wholesalers from trading produce without a written agreement that complies with the Code.
AUSVEG CEO James Whiteside said the Horticulture Code was introduced to improve clarity and transparency of trading arrangements between growers and traders in the horticulture sector.
"As an industry, we stand by the Code and what it represents and support that all parties must abide by the law," said Mr Whiteside.
"This is another timely reminder to industry that growers and traders must be complying with the law."
If growers or traders have any concerns, they are encouraged to contact the ACCC. ---
