Horticulture Code

The Horticulture Code came into effect on 14 May 2007 as a prescribed mandatory industry code of conduct under the Trade Practices Act 1974, known as the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 from 1 January 2011 (the Act).

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is responsible for the development of the Code. Further information on the department’s role is available on their website.

As part of the ACCC public inquiry into the competitiveness of retail prices for standard groceries the ACCC made 13 recommendations in relation to improving the effectiveness of the Horticulture Code. You can view the recommendations in detail in chapter 18 of the ACCC inquiry report.

A Horticulture Code Committee was appointed to provide advice on the implementation of the ACCC recommendations and after wide industry consultation, the Committee's report ‘Implications of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission recommendations to amend the Horticulture Code of Conduct’ was released on 1 November 2009.

Purpose of the Horticulture Code

The purpose of the Code is to improve the clarity and transparency of transactions between growers and wholesalers of fresh fruit and vegetables. It also provides a fair and equitable dispute resolution procedure.

Role of the ACCC

We are responsible for investigating complaints and, where necessary, taking enforcement action against anyone who fails to comply with the Horticulture Code.

Our role also includes promoting compliance by providing educational material such as guidelines, articles and fact sheets as well as giving presentations through our outreach programs in each state and territory.

For further information, or to make a complaint, contact our Infocentre on 1300 302 502.