Update on Freshcare Audit Fee Increases
Fruit Growers Victoria (FGV) recently raised members’ concerns about the significant increase in Freshcare audit fees, which has become a real challenge for many growers.
At Hort Connections in Brisbane, our Business Development Manager, Nimeshika Aloysius, met directly with the CEO of Freshcare, Jane Siebum, to discuss these rising costs and the impact on growers.
While we were not able to reach a solution to reduce or defer the higher costs, Freshcare did provide the following explanation:
- The decision to increase participation fees was made around a year ago, as fees had been undercharged for some time.
- The new pricing structure reflects what Freshcare considers fair and reasonable for the services provided.
- Growers were notified well in advance of the planned increase.
- Going forward, Freshcare fees will be adjusted annually in line with CPI to improve transparency and predictability.
The CEO emphasised that while Freshcare sets its own participation fee (https://www.freshcare.com.au/about/freshcare-fee-structure/), audit costs are set independently by certification bodies (https://www.freshcare.com.au/search-directory/certification-body/).
FGV understands the pressure these rising costs place on growers. While we could not secure a change to the new fee structure, we will continue to monitor the situation and advocate on behalf of our members.
FGV Letter to Ministers: Fairer Trading, Fruit Fly & Water Reform
Fruit Growers Victoria has recently written to the Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, Dr Andrew Leigh MP, expressing our strong support for the ACCC’s final report on supermarkets and urging the government to implement its recommendations without delay.
We have also contacted The Hon Julie Collins, Australian Minister for Agriculture, encouraging urgent attention to three critical issues impacting growers:- Improved Queensland Fruit Fly management
- The proposed Water Amendment
- Implementation of the ACCC report recommendations to ensure fairer trading conditions for growers
FGV remains committed to advocating on behalf of our members to secure a fairer, more sustainable and competitive future for the horticulture industry.
The letters are available to download here:
FGV Letter to Minister re ACCC Recommendations
FGV Letter to The Hon. Julie Collins MP
