Industry-led Fair Farms Standard now backed by all three major retailers
Growcom, peak representative body for horticulture in Queensland, today welcomed news that Coles has endorsed the industry-led Fair Farms training and certification program.
Coles today confirmed it will now be accepting Fair Farms certification as a way by which fresh produce suppliers can demonstrate compliance with the Coles Ethical Sourcing policy.
Fair Farms National Program Manager Thomas Hertel said he was pleased to receive the support of one of Australia’s major retailers.
“We are delighted to have Coles on board. Their commitment to collaborate with industry on matters of ethical sourcing policy is great news for businesses in horticulture and their workers,” he said.
“Coles contributed to the original design of the Fair Farms Standard alongside other retailers and stakeholders so it’s great to see the supermarket giant is now joining the group of Australian produce buyers who support the industry-led initiative.”
Coles General Manager Fresh Produce Craig Taylor said the supermarket was proud to give the Fair Farms training and certification program the tick of approval.
“Coles is pleased that we can now offer a choice in the path our suppliers follow to become approved under the Coles Ethical Sourcing Program,” he said.
“The Fair Farms program has been designed with input from Australian farmers and retailers and offers local training support to participating farms.”
Fair Farms certification is now accepted by the three major retailers in Australia: Coles, Woolworths and Aldi.
Mr Hertel said Australian horticulture producers can choose Fair Farms and thereby meet the ethical sourcing requirements of all three retailers.
“Having an industry standard for ethical employment practices agreed across the different supply chains within horticulture should make compliance easier and less costly,” he said.
“This means that more farm businesses are likely to adopt the Fair Farms Standard, leading to improved conditions for workers on farm.
“The Fair Farms program supports all members of the Australian horticultural supply chain. It is built on the idea that compliant and ethical employers should be recognised and rewarded for their efforts by their customers and consumers, who may choose to buy Australian produce from ethically verified sources.”
Fair Farms is developed and delivered by Growcom with support from the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Federal Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment and AUSVEG.
For more information visit the Fair Farms website: www.fairfarms.com.au
ENDS
For Comment:
David Thomson, CEO Growcom 0418 168 853
Thomas Hertel, Fair Farms Program Manager 0484 588 242.
Released by:
Natalie Brady, Growcom Communications Manager 0406 387 381.