In 2022, Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) announced new horticultural standards for leafy greens, berries and melons. 

Soon after, AFSA launched its Licence to Sell Lettuce campaign, calling for scale-appropriate implementation of these standards in each state and territory, to reduce unnecessary burdens on micro producers and small market gardens. We’re pleased to share with our members that in NSW & VIC, the hard work has paid off! What we know so far is that there will be minimal requirements for AFSA members under the new standards.

Summary of new FSANZ standards implementation in NSW and VIC

VICTORIA:

• For micro producers who have less than 1ha under cultivation:
  • Producers under 1ha will not pay fees for the approval or recognition of food safety management statements, or fees for audits and travel 
  • These producers will still need to meet all requirements of the standards and regulations.
  • The annual registration fee for a producer with a production areas of <1ha is 2 FU ($33). 
  • All producers who register in 2025 and 2026 will receive a 50% reduction in registration fees.

NEW SOUTH WALES:

• For micro producers who have less than 2ha under cultivation:
  • No licence is required.
  • No food safety management statement is required.
  • No water testing is required.
  • The only obligation is for producers to notify DPI about who they are, what they’re growing, location and contact information.
  • No inspections or auditing regime unless there is a concern or need flagged.

We have commended both the VIC and NSW food authorities for considering the marginal scale of impact from small-scale production, and urge the other states to follow suit. Right now, AFSA is reaching out to food safety regulators in each of the other states and territories to clarify how standards will be implemented.