Freshcare and the Harmonised Australia Retailer Produce Scheme (HARPS) have worked together, in an industry first initiative, to create streamlined resources for growers and businesses aiding certification to Freshcare and approval to HARPS.
Following consultation with industry, participants, and businesses, Freshcare and HARPS have created combined resources to help more small-to-medium sized farms and supply chain businesses achieve certification.
The combined resources bring together the requirements of the Freshcare Food Safety & Quality Standard (FSQ4.2) and the HARPS Version 2.0 Standard. Requirements for both schemes have been merged, combining two templates into a single user-friendly form. In due course, the Freshcare Supply Chain Standard (SCS2) and HARPS Version 2.0 requirements will also be combined into a single resource.
Freshcare CEO Jane Siebum says many businesses struggle with the demands of multiple audit requirements for retail markets.
“We are constantly looking at ways to streamline the implementation of requirements for our participants of which a number are smaller, family run businesses.
“The more growers, participants and businesses we can get certified, the more retail market access Australian businesses have, which in turn assists the longevity and sustainability of our industry.
“This project has been a true collaborative effort between two organisations, who want the same positive outcomes for industry.
“I want to thank One Direction ANZ and the HARPS team for this joint effort to create real, practical solutions for Freshcare participants,” Ms Siebum said.
Tristan Kitchener, Managing Director of One Direction ANZ, the entity responsible for the management of HARPS, says “it’s important to provide specific support for Tier 2 growers that are often less well-resourced regarding QA and juggling multiple tasks. Many Tier 2s use Freshcare as their GFSI base scheme, so providing the Combined Resources will make their transition to Version 2 of HARPS simpler and more efficient.
“Freshcare and HARPS, working more closely together is an effective means to address industry challenges and improve efficiencies for growers and suppliers, whilst also improving food safety outcomes.
“Freshcare and HARPS are well placed to continue developing efficiency improvements for producers. This includes identifying solutions to build a positive food safety culture, improve growers’ audit experience and leveraging technology to streamline the audit process and audit time.”
Freshcare and HARPS look forward to making these resources available for all growers and participants across Australia early 2023.
For more information on Freshcare Standards please visit Freshcare.com.au
For more information on HARPS please visit harpsonline.com.au
