Your turn: Ministers invite public comments on Horticulture Code of Conduct

From obtaining crop insurance to adopting innovative strategies to improve plants and produce, Australia's horticulturalists are regularly advancing their operations and competitive standing. Now, participants in the $9.23 billion industry have an opportunity to chime in on how the sector is regulated.

That means the government wants to hear from you, horticulture professionals, about how trade is regulated between those who grow fresh fruits and vegetables and those who sell them.

"Through the submissions process, stakeholders can voice concerns, and the government is listening," Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce said.

"This is about striking a balance between the appropriate regulation of the horticulture sector and giving growers and traders the freedom to run their businesses effectively, efficiently and successfully."

In June, Minister Joyce and Minister for Small Business Bruce Billson commenced an independent review of the Horticulture Code of Conduct. The purpose of the code is to create more transparency and clarity in the trade between growers and wholesalers. For instance, it outlines what should be included in an agreement between traders and growers to define the terms of the trade. The code also specified when ownership of produce is transferred and provides processes for resolving disputes.

An issues paper examining the code has already been released, noting that the sector is diverse and changes in the way it operates could necessitate adjustments to the regulations. The report examines whether the current regulations achieve their goals and whether any changes could improve its efficacy.

Both growers and traders (merchants or agents) have a vested interest in the outcome of this review, so if you have ideas on what should be changed or added, you can submit your comments by September 18 at 5:00 p.m. The submission information as well as the issues paper are available on the Department of Agriculture's website.

Business insurance and crop cover are good ways for merchants and growers to protect their assets, but this is an exciting way to shape the future of the industry and contribute ideas on how to improve competitiveness for Australia's horticulture sector.