The Albanese Government is supporting farmers and fresh food suppliers to secure a fairer deal when negotiating with large supermarkets.
Funding has been awarded to the National Farmers Federation and AUSVEG to deliver the Know Your Grocery Code program.
The program will provide free, high‑quality training to fresh food suppliers across Australia to help them better understand their rights under the new mandatory Food and Grocery Code of Conduct.
It includes online and in‑person workshops across metropolitan, regional and rural areas and will be accessible to all suppliers including rural producers and First Nation growers.
Fresh produce suppliers often face structural disadvantages in negotiations. Their products are perishable, growing cycles can be long, and many upfront costs cannot be recovered if fresh produce goes unsold. These factors can weaken bargaining positions when dealing with large buyers.
That's why we're levelling the playing field for farmers and fresh food suppliers, because they deserve a fair deal.
This support is part of the Government's broader efforts to address market power imbalances in the grocery sector, including making the Food and Grocery Code mandatory with substantial penalties, and agreeing in principle and progressing the ACCC's Supermarket Inquiry recommendations.
Delivery of the Supporting Fresh Produce Suppliers - Food and Grocery Code Education Program (Know Your Grocery Code program) will begin in the second half of 2026.
Quote attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP
"Australia's farmers and fresh food suppliers deserve to be treated fairly when negotiating with large supermarkets.
"This program will help suppliers better understand their rights under the mandatory Food and Grocery Code of Conduct and give them greater confidence when dealing with large retailers.
"By delivering free training and education across metropolitan, regional and rural Australia, we are ensuring suppliers of all sizes can access the information they need."
Quote attributable to Minister for Small Business, Dr Anne Aly MP
"Farmers and fresh food suppliers should not be left to fight the big supermarkets on uneven ground. This program gives suppliers practical support to know their rights, use the new mandatory Code and push for a fairer deal. When small suppliers carry the risk upfront, they deserve rules that back them in."
Quote attributable to Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, Dr Andrew Leigh MP
"A tomato grower in Bundaberg or an apple producer in the Huon Valley shouldn't need a legal team to understand their rights. Perishability shifts power towards the big buyers. That's why we're helping suppliers know the rules, use the Code, and bargain on a more even footing."
