As the peak representative body for horticulture in Queensland, Growcom is pleased to welcome Coles' official endorsement of the industry-led Fair Farms training and certification program.
Coles last week confirmed it would accept Fair Farms certification as a way for fresh produce suppliers to demonstrate compliance with the Coles Ethical Sourcing policy.
The supermarket giant joins Woolworths and Aldi in accepting Fair Farms certification as a suitable method for Australian growers to meet ethical sourcing requirements.
This means growers can now adopt Fair Farms as the one and only standard they need to meet the ethical sourcing policies of all three retailers - making compliance easier, cheaper, and more effective.
The Fair Farms team is delighted to have Coles on board after it contributed to the original design of the Fair Farms Standard alongside other retailers and stakeholders. Its commitment to collaborate with industry on matters of ethical sourcing policy is great news for businesses in horticulture and their workers.
We expect many more farm businesses to adopt the Fair Farms Standard as a result of this endorsement by Coles, leading to improved conditions for workers on farms across the country.
Along with the support of Australia's retailers, the Fair Farms program has been designed with input from Australian farmers and offers local training support to participating farms.
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.
Are you an Australian grower looking to prove your compliance? Sign up as a supplier and start your pathway to Fair Farms Certification by visiting www.fairfarms.com.au
Growcom is proud to develop and deliver the Fair Farms training and certification program with support from the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Federal Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment and Ausveg.