Fair Farms Certification
Fostering fair and responsible employment practices in Australian horticulture
The Australian Certification Program for fair and ethical employment practices on farms
Fair Farms is an Australian industry-owned social compliance program designed to help horticulture businesses improve workplace law compliance. By participating, businesses demonstrate ethical and responsible treatment of workers. Fair Farms helps horticulture businesses navigate the complex Australian employment and workplace health and safety laws that can lead to unintentional non-compliance, particularly in smaller businesses. It also combats rogue operators exploiting workers to undercut compliant growers. Fair Farms Certification allows participants to show their compliance to customers and workers.
The program promotes transparency, leveling the playing field, and supporting a sustainable future for the horticulture industry.
Why become Fair Farm certified?
Businesses benefit in several ways including
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Set yourself apart as an ethical employer. This will attract more farmworkers to join your team, and labor hire firms will be more likely to send workers your way. Ultimately, a Fair Farms Certification can help you secure a more consistent and reliable labor supply.
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Being Fair Farms certified enhances your ability to sell to major Australian retailers. For many farmers, Fair Farms certification is a mandatory requirement to remain in the supply chain of these big retailers.
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Show regulators and other stakeholders your commitment to complying with Australian employment laws and maintaining high ethical standards.
Why work with us?
On-the-ground expertise
We’re everywhere you are. With highly qualified auditors worldwide, we can provide a local service, including Fair Farms, with a globally consistent dedication to excellence.
History of firsts
We were first to receive accreditation to deliver certification services for a range of quality, environmental, and health and safety standards across the globe. And we continue to be instrumental in developing a variety of specific standards, across different sectors.
Sustainable focus
With over 20,000+ audits carried out every year, including Fair Farms, we are one of the world’s largest ESG specialists. We have developed the world’s first end-to-end supply chain ESG due diligence platform, incorporating unique proprietary data that is verified from the ground up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join Fair Farms?
Fair Farms is open to all horticulture businesses in Australia. This includes farming and packing enterprises, nurseries, wholesalers, ripening houses, food brokers and any other organisation in the horticulture supply chain.
What is the Fair Farms Standard and what does it cover?
- The Fair Farms Standard sits at the heart of the program. It is a comprehensive document setting out the various requirements any employer in horticulture should meet to be a fair and responsible employer. It is industry-specific, and we made a strong effort to write it in plain English.
- The Fair Farms Standard covers labour standards, WHS standards, safe accommodation and general good business practice. It is benchmarked against Australian Fair Work, WHS laws and international labour standards. The Standard encompasses the ethical sourcing requirements of Australia’s larger retailers.
- The Fair Farms Standard was developed over a period of 18 months by Growcom with Key inputs from industrial relations, workplace, certification and general industry experts. They have consulted with all segments of the supply chain (growers, wholesalers, retailers), industry peak bodies, a trade union and the Fair Work Ombudsman. FWO has given their in-principle endorsement of the Standard.
- The Standard is a live document and will be reviewed and improved over time.
Who uses / requires Fair Farms certification?
Since May 2020, Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi support Fair Farms as a way for suppliers to meet their ethical sourcing policies. Participants should confirm with their retail customer if they support Fair Farms.
Can I do Fair Farms if I’m already with SEDEX?
Yes. But you will need to join the Fair Farms program and go through your training and certification pathway.
Does Fair Farms accept a SEDEX SAQ or SMETA audit?
No. SEDEX does not provide training, nor is their self-assessment and audit benchmarked sufficiently against the subjects covered by the Fair Farms Standard.
Is the Fair Farms Program relevant to me if I use a Labour Hire Provider?
Yes. Even if all of your workers are supplied through labour-hire, you still have significant obligations and responsibilities under the Fair Work Act, WHS laws and immigration laws. The Fair Farms Standard clearly spells out these responsibilities and your business would benefit from participation in the Fair Farms Program.
Would you like to transfer your Responsible Sourcing Assessment services to LRQA?
If you hold a valid certificate with another provider and you are considering making the move, transferring your responsible sourcing services to LRQA is simple. We'll work with you to ensure your transfer is as smooth as possible.