By Michael Burt
Farmers with more than two hectares of berries will be subject to new food safety laws from 12 February.
Growers of leafy vegetables and melons will also have to comply in applying for a NSW Food Authority licence and meet new national food safety standards. Licence fees will be waived until 12 February 2027.
The requirements, introduced nationally, aim to strengthen food safety and traceability throughout the supply chain.
Businesses growing less than 2 hectares of berries, leafy vegetables or melons will need to notify their details to the Food Authority and meet the national standards. Notification is free.
The Food Authority will recognise businesses already certified to the Freshcare, SQF, Global G.A.P and BRCGS industry food safety schemes as meeting the national standards, but they will still need a Food Authority licence and to demonstrate they meet the standards.
NSW Food Authority acting CEO Andrew Davies says the Food Authority will initially take an educative approach.
“Our focus for the first 12 months will be to build awareness of the new requirements and educate businesses on the importance of food safety practices,” he said.
“We encourage berry, leafy vegetable and melon businesses to notify their details or apply for their licence from 12 February 2026 so we can help them as early as possible.”
Mr Davies says costs for businesses will depend on how businesses currently operate.
“Businesses already following good food safety practices will have lower costs, while others may need to change the way they do things, for example, train staff or develop new procedures,” he said.
“The good news is we will be developing a range of tools and resources, including an educational program with grower workshops, personalised advice, and informal farm/site visits.”
The education program is expected to launch in NSW in early 2026.
