A final report is expected to be provided by April
Chris Leptos has been appointed to lead an independent review of the Horticulture Code of Conduct launched by the Australian government.
The Code regulates trade between growers and traders of unprocessed fruit, vegetables, nuts and herbs. It is designed to ensure transparency and clarity of transactions with clear trading rules and a dispute resolution process.
The review will examine potential improvements to the Code and allow stakeholders to consider competition issues facing the sector.
Leptos, who brings extensive corporate and government experience, will consult with stakeholders across the horticulture supply chain over the coming months.
Growers, traders, industry bodies and government agencies have been encouraged to consider the review’s consultation paper and respond with their suggestions about how to improve the Code and its operation.
Minister for agriculture, fisheries and forestry, Julie Collins said it was crucial to have up-to-date and robust regulatory settings to support the sector.
“The horticulture sector has changed since the Code was last reviewed in 2015, and we want to understand if the Code is still fit-for-purpose,” said Julie Collins.
“This is an important opportunity for growers, traders and stakeholders from across the horticulture supply chain to have their say, and to ensure we continue to improve transparency and accountability.”
The review has been welcomed by industry, including Fresh Markets Australia (FMA), the peak industry body for Australia’s fresh produce wholesalers operating in central markets.
“FMA supports transparency that improves clarity and usability for both growers and traders, without creating unnecessary reporting burden for high volume, fast moving wholesale trade,” said FMA CEO Brett Collins. ”Leptos brings deep experience in governance and stakeholder-led reform, having worked across complex policy environments where practical outcomes and public confidence matter.
“His background positions him well to engage with industry, government and regulators in a measured and constructive way,” Brett Collins added.
“The review comes at a time when the Code is operating in a more complex and higher-cost trading environment than when it was first introduced. It is important that the review carefully considers how the Code is working in practice across fast-moving wholesale markets.”
FMA said it will engage with the reviewer, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and other industry stakeholders before contributing ”practical, evidence-based insights grounded in real market operations”.
“The government’s focus on consumer outcomes, productivity and competition is central, alongside maintaining an efficient and effective central market system,” said Brett Collins
“FMA is seeking a Code that workable, productivity-focused and fit for purpose, supporting traders to continue their role in facilitating the efficient pricing and distribution of fresh fruit and vegetables through the supply chain to Australian consumers, while maintaining clear, practical obligations for all parties.
“We will also support practical improvements to education, compliance capability and dispute pathways so issues can be resolved early and fairly.
“We will bring forward the experience of our wholesaler members through FMA’s state industry bodies and focus on targeted improvements to help strengthen clarity and transparency in ways that are practical, widely understood, and support adoption and compliance.”
The National Farmers’ Federation Horticulture Council also welcomed the announcement and NFF Horticulture Council chair Jolyon Burnett said the review was a timely opportunity to strengthen fairness and transparency in Australia’s rapidly expanding horticulture sector.
”With heightened expectations of supermarket buyers either now enacted within the recently updated Food and Grocery Code of Conduct or recommended by the ACCC, we should use this chance to ensure our expectations of wholesale buyers remain reasonable after ten years or progress, particularly in terms of the timeliness of sharing transaction information,” said Burnett.
“We welcome the appointment of Chris Leptos to lead this process and look forward to working constructively with him. Growers across the country continue to face tight margins, rising costs and increased market concentration. Ensuring the Code remains strong, modern and fit‑for‑purpose is essential to a fair and competitive supply chain.
“It’s critical that the voices of growers are heard clearly in this review. The outcomes will shape how business is conducted in wholesale markets for years to come.”
