Growcom is set to launch an initiative aimed at improving the reputation of how the horticulture industry treats its workers. Chief Advocate, Rachel Mackenzie, said the Fair Farms Initiative was sorely needed.
“While the majority of growers do treat their workers fairly and are compliant with workplace legislation, sadly, the actions of a few have attracted significant media coverage, tarnishing the reputation of the industry as a whole,” Ms Mackenzie said. “To combat this, Growcom will launch its Fair Farms Initiative.”
The focus of the Fair Farms Initiative aims to ensure growers not only have the tools and knowledge to treat their workers fairly, but can also demonstrate that to their customers and the wider community.
“The initiative is significantly funded through the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Community Engagement Grants Program and has a focus on vulnerable workers, but it is our goal that the program will benefit all workers and growers in the longer term,” Ms Mackenzie said.
The peak representative body will roll out its Fair Farms Initiative, next Wednesday, May 17 at its workplace relations workshop at Hort Connections 2017 in Adelaide from 11.30am to 2pm Wednesday 17 May at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
“These activities will be supported by a strong presence at Hort Connections 2017. Come and visit us at the Workplace Relations Hub at the Trade Show or come along to the Fair Farms Initiative Launch and Workplace Relations Workshop covering issues such as the Horticulture Award and the certification scheme,” Ms Mackenzie said.
The Fair Farms Initiative has five main components:
• The rollout of the Hort360 Workplace Relations best management practice (BMP) module nationally over the next four years, to enable growers to conduct a confidential risk assessment of their current practice and identify areas for improvement.
• The development, through Freshcare, of a voluntary third-party audited certification for growers to enable them to demonstrate compliance.
• Targeted regional seminars throughout Australia focusing on key areas of non-compliance.
• A series of informative articles on key workplace relations issues for publication in an array of industry magazines and other regional and industry publications.
• Development of a pathway to qualifications in Human Resources for horticulture employers.
For more information, visit www.growcom.com.au/fairfarmsinitiative
Growcom
Phone: +617 3620 3844