Fair Farms appoints Amanda Higgins as National Program Manager

Fair Farms, Australia’s only independent social compliance training and certification program for horticulture, has appointed Amanda Higgins as National Program Manager, reinforcing the program’s strong foundations and clear strategic direction for the future. 

The appointment comes as the program continues to expand nationally, now supporting employers representing more than 20,000 workers across Australia who are at various stages of the Fair Farms certification journey. The program is also seeing increasing interest from adjacent sectors including viticulture and nursery production, reflecting its growing national relevance.

Delivered by Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG), Fair Farms provides practical training, targeted resources, and third-party verified independent certification to help growers and supply chain participants navigate employment laws, ensure fair treatment of workers, and meet increasing ethical sourcing expectations.

QFVG CEO Scott Kompo-Harms said Ms Higgins’ appointment reflects both continuity and ambition for the nationally recognised program.

“Amanda has been instrumental in shaping Fair Farms over the past four years,” Mr Kompo-Harms said.

“She has helped build the program into a trusted, practical and credible framework for social compliance in horticulture. Her leadership ensures Fair Farms remains focused, responsive and aligned with Australia’s evolving regulatory landscape.”

Ms Higgins previously served as the program’s Workplace Relations Specialist where she played a key role in strengthening compliance capability across the sector. She led the strategic introduction of Labour Hire Provider Certification, supporting clearer accountability within fresh produce supply chains and helping businesses manage labour hire licensing and accessorial liability risks.

Mr Kompo-Harms said the program would continue to evolve to meet industry needs and broaden its reach.

“With more than 20,000 workers now supported by employers engaged in Fair Farms, the program is delivering real impact on the ground,” he said. 

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with industry and welcoming more businesses into the program - not only from horticulture, but increasingly from the viticulture and nursery sectors as well.

“Our focus is on growing industry participation, strengthening supply chain confidence, and positioning Fair Farms as the preferred social compliance program for Australia’s fresh produce industry and beyond.”