The Albanese Government is helping farmers and fresh food suppliers get a fairer deal when selling to supermarkets.
Today, the Government is launching the Supporting Fresh Produce Suppliers - Food and Grocery Code Education Program, providing $2 million in grants to help fresh produce suppliers gain the skills they need to stand up to the big supermarkets.
This Program builds on the Government's broader efforts to address the market power imbalance between fresh produce suppliers and large supermarkets while ensuring there are penalties for any wrongdoing.
This includes making the Food and Grocery Code mandatory from 1 April 2025 and committing to implement the ACCC's supermarket pricing and competition report recommendations.
Under the Program, eligible industry associations are able to apply for grants to develop and deliver national education programs that provide smaller fresh produce suppliers with the tools and confidence to negotiate better deals with major grocery retailers.
The Independent Review of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct, undertaken by Dr Craig Emerson, found that fresh produce suppliers are particularly vulnerable in negotiations with large supermarkets because of the perishable nature of their products, long grow times, and high upfront costs that cannot be recovered if the product is not sold.
The Albanese Government is committed to levelling the playing field for farmers and fresh food suppliers.
The grant opportunity, including guidelines, can be found at: https://business.gov.au/grants‑and‑programs/supporting‑fresh‑produce‑suppliers‑food‑and‑grocery‑code‑education‑program
Applications open on 5 December 2025 and close on 23 January 2026.
Quote attributable to Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, Dr Andrew Leigh
"Farmers put food on our tables, but too often they've been left with crumbs at the negotiating table. This program will give smaller suppliers the knowledge and confidence to stand up for themselves, ensuring Australia's food system is fair from paddock to plate."
Quote attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP
"Our farmers and producers supply the high‑quality food that we all love and rely on, and we expect big supermarkets to do right by them. That's why we've made the Food and Grocery Code mandatory and why we're delivering this funding to ensure farmers get a fair go at the farmgate."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Small Business, Dr Anne Aly
"We're helping small businesses - including growers, packers and local distributors - to stand up to major supermarkets and get a fair deal."
"When small businesses and farmers succeed, communities thrive. So, we're making sure businesses are able to secure fair and sustainable prices for their produce."
