The federal government is conducting a review of the Horticulture Code of Conduct, following several difficult years for farmers and growers, with rapidly rising levels of dissatisfaction.
The results of July’s AUSVEG Industry Sentiment Report revealed two in five vegetable growers were actively considering leaving the industry within a year due to challenging business conditions, and that a further two in five would follow suit if they had a viable exit strategy. The proportion of growers actively considering exiting jumped from an average of one in three since the survey in January 2025.
Horticulture is Australia’s third largest agriculture industry, with production value forecast to hit a record $18.9 billion this financial year, and exports on track to hit another record of $4.4 billion. The Code regulates trade between growers and traders of wholesale unprocessed fruit, vegetables, nuts and herbs, to ensure transparency and clarity of transactions.
The review will examine potential improvements to the Code and allow stakeholders to consider competition issues facing the sector.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins, said the Horticulture Code of Conduct was designed to protect the growers and traders who are responsible for so much of Australia’s incredible fresh food.
“The horticulture sector has changed since the Code was last reviewed in 2015, and we want to understand if the Code is still fit-for-purpose,” said Collins.
“This is an important opportunity for growers, traders and stakeholders from across the horticulture supply chain to have their say, and to ensure we continue to improve transparency and accountability.”
A significant volume of horticulture trade occurs in the central wholesale markets, which are supplied by around 10,000 growers and serviced by more than 400 fruit and vegetable wholesalers.
Through 13 million sales transactions, around four million tonnes of horticultural produce worth more than $8 billion is processed through the central wholesale markets each year, underscoring the importance of having up-to-date regulatory settings to support the sector.
The independent review will be led by Chris Leptos, who will consult with stakeholders across the horticulture supply chain over coming months.
Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, Andrew Leigh, said fair competition is the foundation of a strong horticulture sector.
“The Horticulture Code exists to stop unfair dealing and keep the playing field level,” said Leigh.
“From the first handshake to the final invoice, we expect growers and traders to deal in good faith. Strong competition isn’t just good economics, it drives innovation, efficiency, and better outcomes for growers and consumers.”
A final report is expected to be provided to the government by the end of April.
Growers, traders, industry bodies and government agencies are encouraged to consider the review’s consultation paper and respond with suggestions about how to improve the Code and its operation. Head to haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au to read the consultation paper and submit a response.
