Joint project to help more small-to-medium sized farms and supply chain businesses achieve certification

Freshcare and the Harmonised Australia Retailer Produce Scheme (HARPS) have created a new set of streamlined resources for growers and fresh produce businesses.

The resources will help more growers achieve certification

Image Source: Harvest Moon

The resources aim to help more small-to-medium sized farms and supply chain businesses achieve certification to Freshcare and approval to HARPS.

The combined resources bring together the requirements of the Freshcare Food Safety & Quality Standard (FSQ4.2) and the HARPS Version 2.0 Standard. Requirements for both schemes have been merged, combining two templates into a single user-friendly format. 

In due course, the Freshcare Supply Chain Standard (SCS2) and HARPS Version 2.0 requirements will also be combined into a single resource. 

Freshcare chief executive Jane Siebum says many businesses struggle with the demands of multiple audit requirements for retail markets. 

“We are constantly looking at ways to streamline the implementation of requirements for our participants of which a number are smaller, family run businesses,” Siebum explains.

“The more growers, participants and businesses we can get certified, the more retail market access Australian businesses have, which in turn assists the longevity and sustainability of our industry. 

“This project has been a true collaborative effort between two organisations who want the same positive outcomes for industry.”