Australian Citrus Growers

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 responsible for education, information and enforcement.

ACG attended an industry leaders' forum on the Horticulture Code of 29 January 2007, organised by Horticulture Australia Council. Government representatives' included 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.hortcouncil.com www.hac.org.au

DAFF website: www.daff.gov.au

ACCC website: www.accc.gov.au

Hort Code kicks off with little confusion

Article from Queensland Country Life, weekly rural newspaper

ACCC Horticulture Code questions and answers: www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/786800

Does the Horticulture Code Apply to Packing Houses?

ACCC fact sheet

Media Release from Hon Peter McGauran MP, 10 May 2007:

Horticulture Code Launch