Advocacy in Action | Domestic Market Competition
Few issues this year have cut as close to the bone as supermarket conduct. For growers, the imbalance in bargaining power with major retailers isn’t a new story - but in 2024/25, it finally broke into the national spotlight, and QFVG made sure growers’ voices were at the centre of the conversation.
Queensland led the charge, with the State’s inquiry into supermarket pricing prompting the Former Miles Government to adopt all recommendations, including the appointment of an Interim Queensland Food Farmers’ Commissioner. QFVG strongly backed this outcome and worked closely with the newly appointed Commissioner, Charles Burke, to ensure growers had a direct channel to raise concerns about unfair contracts, supply arrangements, and supermarket behaviour.
At the federal level, the ACCC’s supermarket inquiry validated what growers have long said: supermarkets hold detailed consumer demand data but fail to share it with producers. This results in oversupply, food waste, and downward pressure on farmgate prices. QFVG’s submissions and public advocacy ensured these long-standing frustrations were heard and put on the public record.
The ACCC’s final report, released in March 2025, was a pivotal moment. It backed stronger provisions in the Food and Grocery Code, called for more certainty and transparency in supermarket dealings, and supported the streamlining of multiple audits that growers must navigate.
Yet growers’ concerns remain. Rebates are still permitted, and vague terms such as ‘due care’ in forecasting leave plenty of wriggle room for retailers. That’s why QFVG is maintaining pressure to make sure these reforms are implemented in full - and strengthened where necessary.
We also recognised that systemic change must be matched with grower capability. Through our Geared Up Growers training program, QFVG has helped more than 120 growers gain the tools to negotiate more confidently with retailers and better understand their rights under the Food and Grocery Code. We’ve also urged growers to revisit their Horticulture Produce Agreements (HPAs), highlighting their role as the backbone of fair trading in wholesale markets, not just paperwork for disputes.
Costs on farm continue to climb while returns stagnate, but this year has shown that growers’ concerns can no longer be ignored. With supermarkets under scrutiny, inquiries shining a light on unfair practices, and policymakers more engaged than ever, QFVG is determined to turn momentum into lasting reform. Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just about growers - it’s about securing a fair and transparent domestic food system for all Australians.
