Australian Fresh Produce Alliance
The Australian Fresh Produce Alliance is a national organisation representing major growers and suppliers in the industry of fresh fruit and vegetables in Australia. Founded in 2019, the AFPA was established to provide a unified voice on issues affecting the production, supply, and sustainability of fresh produce for both domestic and export markets.
History
Formation & early advocacy (2019–2020)
AFPA was launched in March 2019 by fourteen 'member companies', consisting of 2PH Farms, Costa Group, Driscoll's, Freshmax, Fresh Produce Group, Fresh Select, Mackays, Montague, One Harvest, Perfection Fresh, Piñata Farms, Premier Fresh Australia, Rugby Farms, Mitolo Group. At the time of the founding, the member companies collectively represented approximately 50% of the industry’s value, generating more than $4.5 billion annually and employing around 15,000 people across 100 regional communities.Later in August 2019, Victorian Senator Bridget McKenzie publically asked the standing Committee on Agriculture & Water Resources of the Australian Government to inquire into and report on growing Australian agriculture to $100 billion by 2030. Following the announcement, the AFPA quickly engaged in policy discussions, submitting recommendations on harvest labour services and contributing to the Agriculture to 2030 inquiry.
Expansion and Influence (2021–2025)
From 2021 onwards, the AFPA strengthened its role as a key horticulture advocate, after publishing white papers on sustainability and domestic consumption trends, addressed issues such as Food and Grocery Code of Conduct reforms and modern slavery risk management in supply chains, along with multiple political and international supply achievements. Notbale achievements that were influenced by the AFPA included:- In March 2021, the federal government to allow approximately 10,000 Pacific visa holders enter Australia under supervision to pick and pack fruit and vegetables, due to the labour shortages imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- In September 2023, the creation of the Parliamentary Friends of Fresh Produce, a bipartisan group aimed at promoting the fresh produce industry within federal government.
- In February 2025, the scrapping of the proposed Biosecurity Protection Levy that was proposed by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, reducing costs for growers.
- In April 2025, securing market access for Australian apples to China.