In January, the Australian Government announced an independent review of the Horticulture Code of Conduct — a development that is both long overdue and critically important for vegetable growers across Western Australia.

For many growers, the Code is more than just regulation. It is a fundamental safeguard that underpins fairness, transparency, and accountability in the way fresh produce is traded. It sets expectations around contracting, pricing, payment terms, and dispute resolution — areas where power imbalances can otherwise leave growers exposed.

It has now been ten years since the Code was last reviewed, and in that decade the horticulture sector has changed significantly. Supply chains have consolidated, retail market power has increased, production costs have risen sharply, and growers are managing unprecedented pressure from labour shortages, input price volatility, climate risk, and compliance demands. Yet the Code has largely remained static.

This review presents a rare and important opportunity to ask a simple but vital question:
Is the Horticulture Code still doing its job for growers?

For vegetable growers, the Code is meant to provide confidence that commercial relationships are conducted in good faith and that risks are shared fairly. However, many growers continue to report challenges that suggest the current framework is not always delivering on its intent.

Issues such as unclear contract terms, limited transparency around price changes, delayed payments, unilateral variations, and reluctance to raise concerns for fear of commercial retaliation remain real and ongoing. These are not theoretical problems — they affect cash flow, investment decisions, and ultimately the long term viability of farm businesses.

vegetablesWA is actively engaging in this review process on behalf of vegetable growers in Western Australia. We are directly consulting with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the National Farmers' Federation, the Horticulture Council, and AUSVEG to ensure WA growers' experiences and priorities are clearly heard.

Western Australia has unique supply chain characteristics, including geographic distance to major markets, higher freight costs, and a heavy reliance on long term trading relationships. These factors must be recognised in any future version of the Code.

Our role is to ensure that the review does not become an academic exercise, but instead leads to practical, enforceable improvements that strengthen grower confidence and support a more balanced supply chain.

A modern, well functioning Code is not anti market or anti buyer. On the contrary, it provides certainty for all participants and helps build trust across the supply chain. When growers are confident, they will be treated fairly, they are better positioned to invest, innovate, and supply high quality produce to Australian consumers.

This review comes at a time when pressure on growers has never been greater. Rising costs, tightening margins, and increasing compliance expectations mean there is little room for unfair trading practices or opaque commercial arrangements.

vegetablesWA will continue to work constructively with government and industry partners to ensure this review delivers real outcomes — not just words on a page. The goal is clear: a strong, modern, and fit for purpose Code that provides a solid foundation for a fair, transparent, and competitive horticulture supply chain.

For WA vegetable growers, this is a once in a decade opportunity to help shape the rules that govern how we do business. It is one we cannot afford to miss. WAG

More information
Contact Peter on 0407 545 924.