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Fruit, veg growers slam code delay
1 Sep 2004
AUSVEG, Australia's vegetable growers' association, has accused the Federal Government of stalling a decision on changes to the retail grocery code of conduct. Growers are demanding that the now-voluntary code become mandatory, following concerns about the effective duopoly in retail grocery squeezing farmers on prices.
The Small Business Minister, Joe Hockey, has set October 1 as the final date for a resolution of issues relating to the code, but has steadfastly refused to consider making the code mandatory.
AUSVEG chairman Michael Badcock said each day Mr Hockey's decision was put off was another day that 20,000 fruit and vegetable growers had to endure low prices. Mr Badcock said an enforceable mandatory code of conduct would ensure growers could compete internationally while consumers enjoyed clean and fresh produce.
The Age, 31/8/04.
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