The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released its report into competition and fair trading in the country's horticulture and viticulture industries. According to abc.net.au, the report revealed late and non-payments by wholesalers, a culture of fear around raising complaints because of retribution, uncertainty about contracts and ineffective codes of conduct, are all significant issues impacting the two sectors.
ACCC agriculture commissioner, Mick Keogh, is recommending the removal of the old Horticulture Code of Conduct and imposing new penalties if a party breaches the code.
A report earlier this year found the code needed a major overhaul, with 13 recommendations made.
Mr Keogh said the fresh produce markets would have to change the way they treat growers.
"What is often raised with us, is that there aren't many complaints, therefore the system must be working well.
"Yet when you talk to growers, you get the comment 'well if we raise a complaint, you're out of the system.'
"I think the culture of the whole structure of the fresh produce markets, is one that needs seriously looking at."
The ACCC plans to explore the use of an app that will allow for complaints to be filed anonymously and in a secure way.
