Retailers exempt from code of practice

The Horticultural Code of Conduct, introduced last year could soon be extended to agents who buy from growers on behalf of retailers.

The code regulates trade in horticulture produce between growers and wholesale traders to encourage commercial transparency in transactions and resolve disputes.

The ACCC has considered the Horticultural Code of Conduct during their grocery price inquiry.
There was no obvious reason to extend the code to supermarkets as they are already bound by the Produce and Grocery Industry Code of Conduct.

“The Horticulture Code Issues Paper has now been published and the ACCC wants to ensure that industry participants have had an opportunity to comment on these issues.”

Interested parties are invited to make submissions to the ACCC in relation to the Horticulture Code and issues identified in the paper by 5 p.m., 10 June 2008.

View submissions from AusVeg   and    VFF

Source : David McKenzie – Weekly Times, 28 May 2008