Higgins previously served as the Fair Farms’ workplace relations specialist
Fair Farms has appointed Amanda Higgins as national programme manager, reinforcing the programme’s strong foundations and clear strategic direction for the future.
The appointment comes as Australia’s only independent social compliance training and certification programme for horticulture continues to expand nationally.
It now supports employers representing more than 20,000 workers across Australia who are at various stages of the Fair Farms certification journey. The programme is also seeing increasing interest from adjacent sectors, including viticulture and nursery production, reflecting its growing national relevance.
Delivered by Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG), Fair Farms provides practical training, targeted resources, and third-party verified independent certification to help growers and supply chain participants navigate employment laws, ensure fair treatment of workers, and meet increasing ethical sourcing expectations.
QFVG CEO Scott Kompo-Harms said Higgins’ appointment reflected both continuity and ambition for the nationally recognised programme.
“Amanda has been instrumental in shaping Fair Farms over the past four years,” Kompo-Harms said. “She has helped build the programme into a trusted, practical and credible framework for social compliance in horticulture. Her leadership ensures Fair Farms remains focused, responsive and aligned with Australia’s evolving regulatory landscape.”
Higgins previously served as the programme’s workplace relations specialist where she played a key role in strengthening compliance capability across the sector. She led the strategic introduction of Labour Hire Provider Certification, supporting clearer accountability within fresh produce supply chains and helping businesses manage labour hire licensing and accessorial liability risks.
Kompo-Harms said the programme would continue to evolve to meet industry needs and broaden its reach.
“With more than 20,000 workers now supported by employers engaged in Fair Farms, the programme is delivering real impact on the ground,” he said.
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with industry and welcoming more businesses into the programme - not only from horticulture, but increasingly from the viticulture and nursery sectors as well.
“Our focus is on growing industry participation, strengthening supply chain confidence, and positioning Fair Farms as the preferred social compliance programme for Australia’s fresh produce industry and beyond.”
