Freshcare Calls for Investment: Solutions for Industry Compliance

 

As the leading provider of Australian horticulture, sustainable wine, and supply chain assurance programs, Freshcare is the only standards provider actively working to deliver practical solutions to the compliance and regulatory challenges faced by participants, businesses, and industry.

Freshcare Member Organisation AUSVEG recently released its Horticulture Compliance and Regulation: Reducing the Burden by 2030 report, which highlighted several areas of cost pressure for growers and made recommendations to reduce complexity, duplication, and expense in certification.

Freshcare supports the findings of this report, which align closely with the feedback Freshcare received from their twelve-month Standards Review and the outcomes of the Developing a RegTech Framework and its Applications Across Horticulture Value Chains project, concluded in July. This two-year initiative, delivered in partnership with Hort Innovation and funded by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, identified opportunities to reduce duplication, streamline certification processes, and standardise language across programs.

Led by a dedicated research team and a Volunteer Technologist Working Group made up of highly skilled agritech experts, the project identified key opportunities to streamline certification complexity, reduce duplication, and standardise language across programs.

In response to both the RegTech project findings and AUSVEG’s recommendations, Freshcare is developing several initiatives to deliver tangible improvements for horticulture businesses. These projects require investment and support from stakeholders across the industry:

2025 Standards Review

  • Comprehensive review of Freshcare’s Standards by the Technical Steering Committee, addressing both current and future compliance needs.
  • Delivery of updated standards, resources, and tools informed by feedback and submissions from growers, business owners, and industry.

The “CUBE” (design concept developed through the RegTech project)

  • Digital smart lists designed to eliminate duplication across certification standards by unifying requirements in a single framework.
  • Tailored compliance lists specific to each grower’s crop or business, simplifying reporting and administration.

Horticulture Food Safety Upskilling

  • Comprehensive training for all workers involved in horticulture production, reducing sector-wide food safety risks.
  • In-person training delivered across all states and regions.
  • Micro-credential online courses for skills maintenance, portable across multiple workplaces and suitable for both permanent and itinerant workers.

Digital Auditor Data Platform

  • Cloud-based platform enabling auditors to access on-farm and business data ahead of audits.
  • Reduces the costs, time, and resources associated with on-premise audits.

Freshcare is committed to leading the way in compliance and assurance innovation, but these initiatives can only succeed with the backing of industry stakeholders. Investment today will ensure practical, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions for tomorrow – supporting growers, protecting businesses, and strengthening the entire supply chain.

If you are interested in contributing or collaborating on these projects, providing valuable insights or discussing further, please contact Freshcare:  Phone 02 8039 9999 | Email: info@freshcare.com.au

 

This article appears as part of the 10 October 2025 issue of Guacamole, AAL’s enewsletter.

Australian-Grown Innovation workshop on 14 OCT – REGISTER NOW!

Through Hort Innovation Frontiers, a free-of-charge Australian-Grown Innovation Engage workshop will be held in Queensland next Tuesday 14 October. It is an event that would interest growers and other industry stakeholders in northern parts of the nation.

REGISTER & SEE MORE INFO HERE

This will be a dynamic, in-person workshop designed for growers and supply chain participants to explore innovation in horticulture, share insights and gain hands-on tools from real industry leaders with practical experience.

Participants will learn why innovation matters, engage in practical exercises using frameworks such as the Business Model Canvas and Value Proposition Canvas, and hear from successful innovators across the horticulture sector.

The program focuses on actionable outcomes, helping attendees identify opportunities to diversify income, improve efficiency, and address real-world challenges through guided activities and peer learning within a supportive regional network.

More information about AGI can be found here: Australian-Grown Innovation – Hort Innovation Frontiers

A testimonial video by Jenn Honnery, CEO of Bowen Gumlu Growers Association, who graduated from the inaugural AGI Incubate program in August, can be viewed here: AGI Incubate Thank You Video – Jenn Bowen Gumlu Growers.mp4 – Google Drive

Date: 14 October, 2025 | Time: 10 am-4pm AEST
Location: Porters Plainland Hotel, 66 Laidley Plainland Rd, Plainland (Lockyer Valley), Queensland

Closing date for registration: 13 October, 12pm AEST

 

This article appears as part of the 10 October 2025 issue of Guacamole, AAL’s enewsletter.

Water Markets Intermediaries Code – NOW IN EFFECT!

The mandatory Water Markets Intermediaries Code is now in full effect. Water brokers and other intermediaries dealing with Murray–Darling Basin water rights on behalf of clients should be complying.

Application of the code has been phased. Some obligations came into effect on 1 July 2025, the remaining obligations came into effect on 1 October 2025.

The obligations in effect from 1 October include:

  • providing information to clients about services and obligations
  • obtaining written authorities to submit trades and act as an agent
  • maintaining broking water accounts
  • maintaining client ledgers for broking water accounts and trust accounts
  • having the required professional indemnity insurance
  • dealing with complaints
  • keeping certain records for 6 years.

Complementary trust accounting requirements that commenced on 1 July 2025, including for the handling of client monies, are set out in Part 5, Division 5 of the Water Act 2007 (Cth).

The ACCC is responsible for enforcing the Code and the trust accounting requirements. Civil penalties may apply for non-compliance.

What you need to do:

Intermediaries should review the new laws to make sure they are compliant. Find guidance about the Water Markets Intermediaries Code on the ACCC website.


To make a report to the ACCC:

You can make a report about a potential contravention via:

This article appears as part of the 10 October 2025 issue of Guacamole, AAL’s enewsletter.

Update to HARPS Version 2.0 – Element 14.11

 

HARPS has launched a new blanket exemption for Element 14.11 of the HARPS Standard (Version 2.0), relating to the certification period for certified test weights. Test masses are now permitted to be recertified every 5 years.

This request was approved and communicated to all Certification Bodies on 26th September 2025. As a result, the existing requirement: “shall be externally tested and certified at a frequency recommended by the certifier. If no recommendations have been made, this shall take place annually.” Has been replaced with: “shall be externally tested and recertified every 5 years, provided the test weights are intact and in good condition.”

This change has been introduced to reduce unnecessary costs for growers while maintaining food safety and compliance. Test weights are considered low risk and therefore a 5-year certification cycle is sufficient, provided they are properly maintained.

What this means for suppliers:

  • Test weights must remain intact and in good condition, meaning they must be:

– Free from dents, cracks, chips, warping, or surface wear.
– Free from corrosion or contamination.

  • Test weights must be available at the time of audit for physical inspection.
  • If a test weight is damaged or in poor condition, the exemption does not apply. The weight must then be recertified immediately or replaced.

This exemption to Element 14.11 has been formally recorded in the HARPS Blanket Exemption Register, which can be accessed on the HARPS website HERE.

 

This article appears as part of the 10 October 2025 issue of Guacamole, AAL’s enewsletter.

2025/26 Avocado Fund Annual Investment Plan OUT NOW!

 

The Avocado Fund Annual Investment Plan 2025/26 is now available online HERE and it can also be accessed from the BPR Library under “Other resources” HERE.

The plan details how investment decisions will be prioritised over a 12-month period. It was developed with valuable input from the industry advisory panel, which is made up of growers and other industry representatives as well as Avocados Australia’s representatives and other key stakeholders. It aims to address priorities over a 12-month period.

 

This article appears as part of the 10 October 2025 issue of Guacamole, AAL’s enewsletter.

REMINDER SQ Sprayer Workshop NEXT WEDNESDAY!

 

Growers and sprayer operators are encouraged to register their interest in attending the Extension project team’s South QLD Avocado Sprayer Workshop happening NEXT WEDNESDAY 15 October 2025 from 8.30am to 2.00pm at Touchwood Farm (71 Mt Binga Road, Mt Binga). This valuable workshop is designed to help refine your avocado sprayer skills and practices, ensuring the long-term health and productivity of your orchard. Due to the hands-on nature of the workshop, and to ensure it delivers value to all participants, spots are limited.

MT BINGA | When:   Wednesday 15 October 2025, 8.30am – 2.00pm

REGISTER NOW HERE | See the AGENDA HERE

All registered participants will be contacted directly.

CONTACT:

Renata Grunennvaldt, QDPI | 0475 855 445 | renata.grunennvaldt@dpi.qld.gov.au

Acknowledgement

The Avocado industry development and extension project (AV23010) has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the avocado research and development levy, co-investment from the Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Western Australian Government Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

 

This article appears as part of the 10 October 2025 issue of Guacamole, AAL’s enewsletter.

Hort Innovation Domestic Marketing Update

 

Australian Avocados to take the spotlight at Food & Hospitality Queensland

Australian Avocados is proud to be a featured partner at the upcoming Food & Hospitality Queensland Tradeshow (12-13 October), where we will showcase the versatility and value of avocados in foodservice through two exciting activations. These initiatives are part of our broader push to expand avocado usage across foodservice channels, aligning with Pillar 3 – Channel Expansion of the FY25–26 marketing plan.

Educational Masterclass: Beyond the Smash – Mastering Sauces & Dressings with Australian Avocados

Tradeshow attendees are invited to join acclaimed chef Louis Tikaram for a hands-on session that reimagines how Australian avocados show up on menus. The masterclass will explore avocado’s power as a natural emulsifier to create silky smooth dressings and sauces.

From salad bowls to sushi rolls, Louis will demonstrate how to replace traditional binders with avocado, creating nutrient-rich bases that can be used across a variety of formats. This session will provide hospitality operators with avocado applications that are operationally smart, cost-efficient and add value for both customers and businesses.

Learn more about the session on the Food & Hospitality Queensland Website: https://foodandhospitality.com.au/session/beyond-the-smash-mastering-sauces-dressings-with-australian-avocados/

Chef of the Year Competition – Sponsored by Australian Avocados

Australian Avocados is also sponsoring the Chef of the Year Competition, a high-energy event that puts chefs’ creativity and skill to the test. Thirty minutes before each heat, contestants receive a mystery box of ingredients to incorporate into their menu, alongside pantry staples – featuring avocados as a key item. Each chef has 60 minutes to prepare and serve four entrées and four mains. The competition spans five heats across Sunday and Monday, culminating in a final showdown.

As part of our sponsorship, the Australian Avocados logo will be prominently displayed on the stand, event collateral (including the event magazine), and on the winner’s certificate and cheque. We will also be featured in a dedicated social post on the @foodhospitalityqld account.

How the competition works:

  • Chefs receive a mystery box of ingredients 30 minutes before the event begins.
  • Contestants must use part of each mystery box ingredient, then select additional ingredients from the pantry to enhance their menu. Avocados will be one of the key pantry items.
  • They have 60 minutes to prepare and serve 4 entrées and 4 mains (8 plates in total).
  • There will be 5 heats throughout Sunday and Monday, with the final taking place on Monday at 2.30pm.

Our sponsorship:

  • Australian Avocado logo will appear on the stand, event collateral (including the event magazine) and on the winners’ certificate and cheque.
  • Australian Avocados will feature as a key pantry item.
  • As part of our sponsorship, we feature on a social post on @foodhospitalityqld

 

Foodservice is a key focus for FY26 marketing plan – pillar 3 – channel expansion – collaborating with foodservice industry, foodservice program implementation (continuation of communications programs and tradeshows), foodservice masterclasses

The project’s activities ladder up to the goal of increasing domestic consumption of Australian avocados and increase household penetration of light buyers in all markets.

The Foodservice Masterclass is part of the project AV25003. This project will deliver a national educational program to chefs, quick service restaurant (QSR) teams, and hospitality professionals. Designed to grow the Australian avocado category in foodservice, it will equip these foodservice professionals with the knowledge, tools and inspiration to use Australian avocados in diverse menu applications.

Key activities include developing a comprehensive foodservice education strategy, creating a suite of educational tools (including a QSR-specific avocado handbook), and hosting hands-on masterclasses and chef-led events and demonstrations in major metro areas. The program will engage stakeholders such as QSR chains, chefs, providores, and foodservice professionals, while supporting growers and marketers by strengthening avocado visibility and usage in high-volume commercial kitchens.

The intended impact for growers is to increase demand for Australian avocados in foodservice, drive menu adoption, and deepen industry understanding of avocado handling, profitability, and versatility. By fostering direct connections between growers and foodservice professionals, the project aims to deliver measurable benefits for the industry, including improved confidence, capability, and intention to add avocados to menus, as well as enhanced perception of value and provenance.

 

This article appears as part of the 10 October 2025 issue of Guacamole, AAL’s enewsletter.

Fruit Quality Update

Quality increases in September as bruising drops

Australian Hass avocados were 91% acceptable in September, up from 86% in August and exceeding the industry target of 90% (Figure 1). This improvement in quality is due to a more than 5% reduction in bruising. Most of the bruised fruit came from Perth, where 17% were unacceptably bruised. This is likely related to a high proportion of soft fruit combined with low stock levels on display.

To investigate whether bruising was occurring during the supply chain or at the retail level, an additional sampling round was conducted in Perth, only sampling fruit from trays in the back of stores. These samples were 97% acceptable, with only 3% of fruit showing unacceptable bruising. This indicates that the higher bruising rates seen in Perth over the last two months are most likely caused by poor handling at the retail store display.

Figure 1. Unacceptable Australian grown fruit by defect type (>10% defects) in August and September 2025.

Maturity monitoring program continues targeting Western Australian and Tristate Hass

The AV22011 wholesale maturity monitoring program continued through September, with a focus on Western Australian and Tristate Hass. A total of 18 samples were collected during this period, with 8 from Western Australia and 10 from Tristate. Of these, 1 Tristate and 1 Western Australian sample failed to meet the industry minimum standard of 23% dry matter (Figure 2). Maturity monitoring of Tristate fruit has now ended for the season.

 

Figure 2. September 2025 Hass dry matter levels

Well done to growers Agriexchange Renmark, Boallia Avocados, Chinoola Orchards, Costa (Capel Orchard), Delroy Orchards, Happy Valley Fruits, HJK Farms, Koola Frove, Manjimup Avocados, O & S Caristo, Ruabon Orchard – TAC, Sunnybank Grov and Dalzell Fruits whose fruit was sampled and exceeded the minimum maturity standard since the last Guacamole update.

To ensure consumers have the best eating experience, make sure that fruit you harvest meets the minimum dry matter standards of 21% for Shepard and 23% for Hass. Continue to monitor your dry matter levels as your harvest progresses. More information on dry matter testing is available HERE.

 

This article appears as part of the 10 October 2025 issue of Guacamole, AAL’s enewsletter.

Avocados Australia’s Email & Mobile Communications Survey

How can we improve! Complete our survey to be in to WIN! 

We’d love to hear from YOU!

To keep the Australian avocado industry informed, Avocados Australia sends out email notices, our fortnightly enewsletter and SMS text messages to keep you up to date about events, news, best practice, exports, the latest reports, changing regulations & more. We are achieving good results however we want to do better.

Please complete this short survey & provide your details at the end if you would like to go into the draw for a chance to win 1 of 2 $150 vouchers.

We truly appreciate your time and feedback.

CLICK HERE to go to the Survey.   

 

This article appears as part of the 10 October 2025 issue of Guacamole, AAL’s enewsletter.