Learn about new horticulture code

GROWERS are being urged to learn their rights and obligations under the new Horticulture Code of Conduct through a series of free workshops being hosted by Growcom this month.

The new code, introduced on April 1, has been designed to protect growers’ interests while reflecting the business flexibilities and realities needed to operate in the market place.

Growcom, with support from Queensland’s regional horticulture organisations, will run the workshops through sponsorship from HiveXchange and with support from the VegNET program.

A representative from the ACCC will give an overview of the code and take questions.

There will also be a presentation from national online marketplace HiveXchange entitled “Managing your compliance – an online consignment tool making code compliance easy”.

Horticulture produce agreements developed by Growcom will also be distributed and discussed.

While the ACCC will continue working with industry associations like Growcom to educate growers and traders, the next stage of its work will take the form of compliance checks.

Growcom chief advocate Rachel Mackenzie said the workshops would provide valuable information to growers and help them get the most out of the code without being overwhelmed.

“The code workshops will help you understand types of trading arrangements and additional protections under the new code,” she said.

To RSVP for catering purposes or find out more about locations, visit www.growcom.com.au/ hort-code-of-conduct.