Current Issues

Mandatory Horticulture Code

The Australian Government has prescribed the Horticulture Code as a mandatory industry code of conduct under the Trade Practices Act to come into effect on 14 May 2007.

The Horticulture Code aims to provide greater clarity and commercial transparency in trade transactions between growers and wholesale traders by clarifying the responsibilities and obligations of each.  it also provides an effective way of resolving disputes as an alternate to litigation.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is responible for eduction, information and enforcement. 

Citrus Australia attanded an industry leaders forum on the Horticulture Code of 29 January 2007, organised by Horticulture Australia Council.  Government representatives inlcuded DAFF, ACCC and DAFF's Horticulture mediation advisor.  There was a lot of discussion around the practical implementation of the Code, including coverage, exceptions and communication.

The biggest message to come from this forum was that the Code applies to the transaction or activity not the business, so that if you thought it affected only trade between growers and traditional market wholesalers then you are incorrect!

Essentially any business that buys or takes receival of a growers produce to on sell it on the growers behalf will be obliged to comply with the Code.

Further information:

HAC update 30th April 2007

HAC website:    www.hac.org.au

DAFF website:   www.daff.gov.au/hortcode

ACCC website:  www.accc.gov.au

Landmark Decision on Code

Australian Citrus News Article

Does the mandatory Horticulture Code Apply to your business?

ACCC article for the Australian Citrus News

ACCC Horticulture Code Information Sessions

Compliance Information Session Table

The Les Baker Citrus Industry Award

Nominations are now being taken for up and coming contributors to the citrus industry.

More information / Nomination Form

Citrus Canker Outbreak
Citrus canker is an exotic disease that is easily spread, renders fruit unmarketable and impacts on the health and long term productivity of the tree. The disease was detected in July 2004 at an orchard in Emerald, Queensland.

Citrus Canker Incursion - 6 June 2005 Update

Horticulture Business Code of Conduct
Following a grower-led call for a mandatory code of conduct for the fruit and vegetable industry, the federal government has committed to implementing a mandatory Horticulture Code of Conduct to be prescribed under the Trade Practices Act 1974. The code will be developed during 2005 for anticipated implementation early next year.

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) is co-ordinating the development of the code, in consultation with other federal government agencies.

Fact sheet created May 2005 (PDF 24Kb)

Website links:
Horticulture Code of Conduct
NSW Farmers Association (fact sheets)

Country of Origin Labelling
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) produced a Draft Assessment Report earlier this year to review the country of origin labelling issue.

Citrus Australia delivered a submission in response to the FSANZ Draft Assessment Report in March 2005. Citrus Australia called on FSANZ to ensure that labelling provides consumers with sufficient information to make informed decisions.

Brochures

A user guide on country of origin labelling of food aims to assist the industry and enforcement authorities to meet the new standard. The guide has been designed by FSANZ to help food retailers and businesses, especially small businesses like fruit and vegie shops and butchers to understand the new country of origin labelling standard.

The Country of Origin Labelling of Food Guide to Standard is available on the FSANZ website.

A consumer brochure on country of origin labelling of food is aimed to help consumers to understand the new labelling requirements for unpackaged fresh and processed fruit, vegetables, nuts and seafood.

The brochure Country of Origin Food Labelling - advice for consumers is available on the FSANZ website.