HARPS implementation extension

HARPS (the Harmonised Australian Retailer Produce Scheme) is a retailer-led scheme designed to assist with compliance to food safety, legal and trade legislation for suppliers to the major grocery retailers in Australia.
A decision graphic has been developed to help suppliers in determining whether their business requires HARPS (see below). The terminology in this graphic replaces the previous references to Direct and Indirect suppliers, and uses a tiering system to define supply chain responsibilities and actions required by suppliers.
Based on the feedback received from low volume producers requesting more support and time for implementation, a number of provisions have been made.

Additional support

There will be HARPS awareness sessions held in each state-based Central Market as well as some key growing regions. Additional webinars will be held for those unable to attend these sessions. Dates will be advertised on the HARPS website, via peak industry bodies and directly to those businesses that are registered on the HARPS website.

Additional time & tier information

Tier 2 suppliers that may require HARPS approval will have until 1 January 2019. However, these businesses should register their interest in achieving HARPS approval at www.harpsonline.com.au by 30 June 2018.
In addition, low volume producers supplying less than 10 pallets per year will not require HARPS approval. These suppliers will fall under Tier 3 and will be required to be certified to an approved base scheme (see the decision graphic for details).

Advisory group members needed

Would you like to have a say? HARPS is seeking involvement from more growers to participate in the HARPS Technical Advisory Group workshops, to help refine and improve the elements within the HARPS scheme. Please register your interest at www.harpsonline.com.au.

More information

Please visit www.harpsonline.com.au for further information. If you have any questions about HARPS not covered in our Frequently Asked Questions section at www.harpsonline.com.au/faq/ please contact the HARPS Helpline on 1300 852 219 or email harps@harpsonline.com.au.

Click here to download this graphic as a PDF

 

This article appeared in Guacamole, 2 February 2018.

Author: HARPS project team
Date Published: 01/02/2018