Farmers in the horticulture and viticulture industries are invited to participate in a series of regional workshops in each state, which will be hosted by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
Attendees can learn about the role of the ACCC, raise any concerns they have about purchasing conduct among businesses they sell to, and gain an understanding of how the Competition and Consumer Act (2010) and the Australian Consumer Law can benefit them.
All workshops will feature a panel of prominent industry representatives who will discuss some of the major challenges facing the industry today.
“Horticulture and viticulture are critical Australian agriculture industries and we will use these workshops to learn about the various supply chains, and competition and fair-trading issues in these industries,” ACCC deputy chair Dr Michael Schaper says.
The ACCC will provide information and take questions on the ACCC’s role in collective bargaining and the upcoming business-to-business unfair contract terms laws.
“The purpose of these workshops is to hear directly from growers and other horticulture and viticulture industry participants about the key competition and fair trading issues that affect them,” ACCC commissioner Mick Keogh says.
“Whether by allowing farmers to collectively bargain, taking action against unconscionable conduct by big businesses, or by policing country of origin and other labelling claims, the ACCC has a strong role in regional Australia.”
The workshops will be held at Shepparton in Victoria, Toowoomba in Queensland, Bunbury in Western Australia, Griffith in New South Wales, Murray Bridge in South Australia and Devonport in Tasmania between June 6 and September 1.
The ACCC has been provided with additional funding of $11.4 million over four years by the Australian Government to establish an Agriculture Enforcement and Engagement Unit that will conduct investigations and engagement in rural and regional areas.
Those interested in attending can register their interest via the ACCC website.
EVENT DETAILS:
- Shepparton, Victoria — Monday, June 6
- Toowoomba, Queensland on Friday, June 10
- Bunbury, Western Australia on Thursday, June 30
- Griffith, New South Wales on Monday, July 4
- Murray Bridge, South Australia, on Monday, July 18
- Devonport, Tasmania on Thursday, September 1