Agriculture

ACCC proposes to authorise 'Fair Go Dairy' licensing scheme

The ACCC is proposing to authorise the Queensland Dairyfarmers’ Organisation Limited’s (QDO) Fair Go Dairy licensing scheme for five years.

Under the scheme, QDO will grant processors a licence to use the ‘Fair Go Dairy’ logo on qualifying dairy products.

Qualifying dairy products must contain at least 80 per cent unprocessed milk that was produced by Queensland dairy cows and purchased from a Queensland dairy farmer for a price not less than a “sustainable and fair” price calculated by QDO.

New fair trading law needed to enhance Australia's perishable agricultural markets

Australia’s perishable agricultural goods markets need a new fair trading law to address harmful practices arising from bargaining power imbalances that are not covered by current laws, the ACCC has found.

The ACCC’s Perishable Agricultural Goods Inquiry Report, released today, recommends the introduction of an unfair trading practices prohibition, and the strengthening of the small business unfair contract term protections and the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct.

Union Dairy Company pays penalty for alleged breach of Dairy Code

Riddoch Trading Pty Ltd, trading as the Union Dairy Company (UDC), has paid a penalty of $10,500 after the ACCC issued it with an infringement notice for allegedly failing to comply with its publishing obligations under the Dairy Code.

The Code requires dairy processors to publish standard form milk supply agreements on their website by 2.00pm on 1 June each year.

ACCC receives international competition advocacy award

The ACCC has received an award from the International Competition Network and World Bank Group for its work to improve competition in the Australian dairy industry, which involved an inquiry into competition in the sector, and subsequent recommendation of a mandatory code. The dairy inquiry was completed in April 2018.

The annual contest recognises the role that competition agencies and government departments play in promoting competition and its benefits through activities other than enforcement action.

Submissions

On 3 September 2020, the ACCC sought submissions from all interested parties in response to the terms of reference. Submissions were due by 18 September 2020.

Small business in focus - 1 January to 30 June 2020

This twice-yearly report provides a summary of ACCC activities in the small business, franchising and agriculture sectors.

New inquiry to focus on perishable agricultural supply chains

The ACCC will today commence a new three-month inquiry into bargaining power in supply chains for perishable agricultural products in Australia.

The inquiry, initiated by the Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and the Agriculture Minister David Littleproud, will take a broad look at trading practices throughout supply chains, including the relationships between farmers, processors and retailers.