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Code of Conduct

Mandatory Horticulture Code of Conduct
(See below)

Produce & Grocery Code of Conduct

The Produce and Grocery Industry Code of Conduct is a voluntary Code providing the principles of best practice for all industry participants in the produce and grocery industry supply chain. The aim of the Code is: Promoting fair trading practices and building better business relationships.

The Code also provides access to a dispute resolution procedure for any individuals or groups seeking to resolve a trading dispute. For more information, visit: www.produceandgrocerycode.com.au.

The Code provides mediation services to all industry participants through the Produce and Grocery Industry (PGI) Ombudsman service. Mediation services aim to minimise litigation costs when business transactions are not satisfactory to one or all parties involved. For more information, Freecall 1800 206 385, or visit: http://www.produceandgroceryombudsman.com.au/.

Mandatory Horticulture Code of Conduct - Update
All the latest information on the Mandatory Code of Conduct.

Members of the HAC Code of Conduct Steering Committee:

Peter Darley – Chair (NSW Farmers’ Assoc.);
Leanne Usher (Growcom);
Lis Blandemer (VFF);
Kate Peake (NT Hort. Assoc.);
Tony Russell (APAL);
Ausveg nominee (TBA);
Kris Newton (HAC CEO)

The ACCC has warned growers to beware illegal contracts. HAC strongly recommends using the templates below. For further information please see the following Press Releases.

HAC Submission to the Horticulture Code Committee on the ACCC's Recommendations on the Code

HAC - ACCC warns growers to scruitinise contracts
HAC - ACCC warns on 'Backdated' Contracts
HAC - Launch of Code of Conduct
HAC - Code Templates Launched

Now Available - Templates for the Code of Conduct

*Information Brochure (108kb)

*Terms of Trade *Terms of Trade (53kb)

*Horticulture Produce Agreement *Horticulture Produce Agreement (75kb)

*Note: You will need all three documents; the Terms of Trade & HPA are linked documents.

The information is for general information only. It is not intended as legal or professional advice. NFF and HAC recommend that people seek their own legal and professional advice. NFF and HAC expressly disclaim all liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon the information contained in these documents.

Further Information:

To download a copy of the Regulations, Explanatory documents, Fact Sheets (for growers or traders), etc., visit the following websites:

DAFF website: www.daff.gov.au/agriculture-food/hort-wine/hort-policy/code-of-conduct

ACCC website on: www.accc.gov.au/industrycodes.
For Fact Sheets on the following topics, click on the links below:

ACCC Code Compliance Information Sessions ('Roadshow') - Timetable (24kb)

If you missed the 'Roadshow', further information is available in the format of an educational DVD; there is also a detailed Compliance Manual about the Horticulture Code, on the ACCC website at www.accc.gov.au/horticulturecode.

To contact the Mediation Advisor in the event of a dispute: Freecall 1800 206 385, or visit the website for further information http://www.hortcodema.com.au/. This service is provided by the Accord Group on behalf of, and subsidised by, the Federal Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries (DAFF).