Australia’s leading assurance standard, Freshcare’s Food Safety & Quality Standard Edition 4.2 (FSQ4.2) has successfully achieved recognition from the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).

The FSQ4.2 Standard is a food safety and quality program, providing growers and grower-packers with the essential on-farm good agricultural practices and post-harvest food safety criteria.

Growers who successfully undertake FSQ4.2 certification, can expand to a global market as their produce meets international requirements for food safety.

As custodians of Australia’s most widely used standards, Freshcare CEO Jane Siebum, says the recognition of FSQ4.2 is a significant accomplishment for the domestic fresh produce industry.

“Our certified growers are demonstrating their food safety systems align with world best practice, strengthening confidence and trust in Freshcare certificates in global supply chains,” she said.

What is Certification?

Ms Siebum said the Freshcare Standards describe the practices required to provide assurance that fresh produce is safe to eat, meets customer specifications and legislative requirements; and has been produced with care for the environment.

“Certification helps Australian producers demonstrate their capacity to grow, pack, and distribute safe, sustainable, quality produce for customers and consumers worldwide.”

What does this mean for Tree Crop Growers?

“Over 3800 business participate in Freshcare assurance programs and if we focus on citrus crops, the cohort make up one of the largest fresh produce export markets in Australian horticulture,” Ms Siebum said.” “In 2021 citrus wholesale was value at $685.6M and export value of $441.5M*

“The benefits of attaining Freshcare certification for growers include not only international recognition for export market buyers, but domestically the Freshcare Standard is accepted by all major Australian retailers. In 2021 the retail supply wholesale value of Citrus fruit was $571.10M.

“Through the certification of individual businesses, Freshcare supports the growth and income of Australian farmers but additionally ensures the sustainability and global reputation of our horticulture industry,” she said.

“Freshcare Standards assure high quality produce throughout the supply chain, ensures buyer confidence, and maintains traceability. Freshcare is currently undergoing global benchmarking for Supply Chain Standard Edition 2 (SCS2) which provides a food safety and quality management program for businesses involved in fresh produce supply chain operations.

What Are the Steps to Certification?

“If you’re new to Freshcare, certification is achieved by completing training, implementation, and external audit. 

“Freshcare has developed resources and guidance material to assist the training and implementation phase of the program,” Ms Siebum said. “Trainers can provide further support on the specific risks and needs per crop to tailor the program to your business.

“Certification is achieved through independent audit by an approved certification body, providing verification that the practices and requirements of the Standard are in place.

“This rigorous process ensures Freshcare certification is recognised as a leading assurance program, protecting the horticulture industry supply chains.”