Small fresh food producers exempt from regulations

The Tasmanian Government has scrapped restrictive regulations for small backyard growers of fresh produce following a wave of negative feedback.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced this morning that as the second round of consultation on the draft Primary Produce Safety (Horticulture Produce) Regulations comes to an end, a decision was made that there will be no impact to backyard producers.

The proposed regulations specifically targeted three high-risk crop categories: berries, leafy vegetables (greens) and melons - categories chosen because they are often eaten raw and have been linked to foodborne illness outbreaks nationally and internationally.

Mr Rockliff said the Government has listened and heard the community’s feedback loud and clear.

“I want to be clear - we are not going to make it harder for people to grow, share, donate or sell small amounts of fresh local produce in their communities,” he said.

"As all good consultation does, the draft proposal has prompted legitimate concerns from backyard growers, community food groups, market gardeners and regional communities.

"I am directing that any final regulations must protect community food growing, food relief activities, local markets and small-scale producers from unnecessary fees, excessive paperwork and disproportionate compliance requirements.

"Food safety remains important, but common sense must prevail."

The proposed draft regulations introduced a heavy financial and administrative burden on growers, including an initial accreditation fee of around $600, scaling upward based on the size of their operations, as well as strict operational mandates and potential ongoing audit costs. 

People operating roadside stalls to sell excess produce and small market gardens feeding their local community were among the protestors.

Primary Industries Minister Gavin Pearce said particularly in our rural and regional communities, backyard growing is a way of life.

"No Tasmanian should need to fill out pages of paperwork, pay fees or navigate a complex regulatory process simply because they are sharing surplus produce, supporting a community food initiative or selling small quantities of fresh food locally,” Mr Pearce said.

"Our Government will not proceed with any model that undermines community food security, discourages local food production or creates barriers for ordinary Tasmanians participating in local food networks.

"The final Regulations will clearly distinguish between large commercial operations and community-scale activity.

"The objective is simple: protect food safety while protecting Tasmania's local food culture.

“Backyard growers, community food groups and small local producers should not be caught up in red tape designed for large commercial operations.”