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New rules boost food safety in horticulture
From today, NSW berry, leafy vegetable and melon growers will adopt new food safety standards to improve traceability and lift consumer confidence in the industry.
Farmers growing produce for sale need to meet new on-farm requirements and provide their details to the state’ s food safety regulator, the NSW Food Authority. Producers growing two hectares or more of berries, leafy vegetables or melons will need a Food Authority licence, with fees waived for the first year.
It’ s free for smaller scale enterprises who still need to notify the Food Authority of their business details.
Primary processers who wash or pack produce from other growers need to apply for a licence and meet the standards.
The Food Authority’ s acting CEO Andrew Davies said the laws, introduced nationally last year, addressed specific food safety risks associated with these commodities.
“ There have been foodborne illness outbreaks linked to berries, leafy vegetables and melons in Australia and internationally,” he said.
“ These products are typically eaten raw and are vulnerable to contamination from soil, water, fertilisers, animals and worker hygiene, depending on how they are grown.
“ The new laws require businesses to show they’ re addressing these risks and to ensure their produce can be traced through all stages of the supply chain.”
Mr Davies said the Food Authority will initially work to educate growers and routine onsite inspections won’ t start until 12 February 2027.
“ Our focus for the first 12 months is to build awareness of the requirements and the importance of food safety practices,” he said.
“ To support growers and processing businesses, all licence fees will be waived for the first year. We’ re also developing an education program to help them comply.
“ We encourage businesses to contact us early for a smoother transition.”
More information for berry, leafy vegetable and melon growers and primary processors is available at www. foodauthority. nsw. gov. au / horticulture
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THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 190 // MARCH 2026 31