The Hon. Julie Collins, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry; The Hon. Andrew Leigh, Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, Joint Media Release, 28 January 2026
The Albanese Labor Government is committed to a strong horticulture industry in Australia and is today announcing that Mr Chris Leptos AO will lead an independent review of the Horticulture Code of Conduct.
Horticulture is Australia’s third largest agriculture industry, with production value forecast to hit a record $18.9 billion this financial year, and exports on track to hit another record of $4.4 billion.
The Code regulates trade between growers and traders of wholesale unprocessed fruit, vegetables, nuts and herbs, to ensure transparency and clarity of transactions.
The review will examine potential improvements to the Code and allow stakeholders to consider competition issues facing the sector.
Mr Leptos, who brings extensive corporate and government experience, will consult with stakeholders across the horticulture supply chain over coming months.
Growers, traders, industry bodies and government agencies are encouraged to consider the review’s consultation paper and respond with their suggestions about how to improve the Code and its operation.
A significant volume of horticulture trade occurs in the central wholesale markets, which are supplied by around 10,000 growers and serviced by more than 400 fruit and vegetable wholesalers.
Through 13 million sales transactions, around 4 million tonnes of horticultural produce worth more than $8 billion is processed through the central wholesale markets each year.
This underscores the importance of having up-to-date and robust regulatory settings to support the sector.
A final report is expected to be provided to Government by the end of April.
For more information and to have your say, visit: https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/horticulturecodereview.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:
“The Horticulture Code of Conduct was designed to protect our growers and traders who are responsible for so much of Australia’s incredible fresh food.
“The horticulture sector has changed since the Code was last reviewed in 2015, and we want to understand if the Code is still fit-for-purpose.
“This is an important opportunity for growers, traders and stakeholders from across the horticulture supply chain to have their say, and to ensure we continue to improve transparency and accountability.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, Andrew Leigh MP:
“Fair competition is the foundation of a strong horticulture sector. The Horticulture Code exists to stop unfair dealing and keep the playing field level.
“From the first handshake to the final invoice, we expect growers and traders to deal in good faith.
“Strong competition isn’t just good economics, it drives innovation, efficiency, and better outcomes for growers and consumers.”