Providing a fair go for workers and growers

Providing a fair go for workers and growers

19-May-2017

A national program has been launched to better inform consumers and growers about the importance of fair farm practices and improve the horticulture industry’s reputation for fair workplace relations.

Growcom’s Rachel MacKenzie said the initiative would give production horticulture growers tools to ensure workers were treated fairly and the ability to communicate this to consumers through third party certification.

“Fair Farms Initiative is being rolled out nationally with the aim to help restore both consumer and public confidence in the horticulture sector’s labour practices,” she said.

Fair Farms will be delivered through Growcom’s Hort360 Workplace Relations best management practice (BMP) modules to enable growers to do a confidential risk assessment of their current practice and identify areas for improvement.

Targeted seminars through Australia’s key horticultural regions will also be rolled out alongside human resource qualification assistance for those interested employers.

“Fair Farms will deliver an industry leading voluntary third-party Audited Certification through Freshcare so growers can demonstrate their compliance,” Rachel said.

“Consumers and the wider public are calling out something that guarantees an ethical approach to workplace relations on our farms. Fair Farms will deliver exactly that.”

For more information visit http://www.growcom.com.au/fairfarmsinitiative/