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Media Release
Australian fruit and vegetable growers committed to working closely with government and retailers to ensure supply for all Australians
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The impact of the coronavirus (Covid-19) is being closely monitored and managed by Australia’s fruit and vegetable growers. AFPA member companies are working with government and retailers to ensure the most comprehensive systems are in place to deal with the impact of coronavirus so that fresh produce can continue to be available for all Australians.
“Our members are at the forefront of efforts to maintain the supply of fresh fruit and vegetables to all Australians. They are also focussed on ensuring business continuity in order to maintain crop production, harvesting and supply. It is vitally important in these unprecedented times for people to be able to access and continue to consume healthy and nutritious food,” said AFPA CEO, Michael Rogers.
It is noted that Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ), the government agency responsible for protecting the health and safety of people in Australia and New Zealand by maintaining a safe food supply, advises that ‘transmission (of coronavirus) through food is unlikely and there is no evidence of this occurring with novel coronavirus to date, however investigations into how the virus spreads are continuing.’
“Rigorous food safety and quality systems are already in place to guard against the spread of foodborne illnesses and viruses. Farmers remain vigilant in providing safe and nutritious fruit and vegetables to all Australians while managing the impact of coronavirus on individual businesses” said Mr Rogers.
AFPA members have more than 100 productions locations across Australia, and working with their 1,500 supplier growers, account for more than half of the fruit and vegetable supply in Australia. The Australian fruit and vegetable sector is productive, efficient, and resilient.
“In recognition of the fact that circumstances are changing on a daily basis, we will continue to work closely and cooperatively with government and retailers to ensure our members are doing all they can to continue the supply of fresh fruit and vegetables for all Australians.” said Mr Rogers.
Media Contact: Michael Rogers, CEO, 0409 648 911 About AFPA - The Australian Fresh Produce Alliance (AFPA) is made up of Australia’s key fresh produce growers and suppliers. AFPA members represent half the industry turnover of the Australian fresh produce (fruit and vegetables) sector - $4.5 billion of the $9.1 billion total; 1,000 plus growers through commercial arrangements and more than 15,000 direct employees through peak harvest, and up to 25,000 in the grower network.
“Our members are at the forefront of efforts to maintain the supply of fresh fruit and vegetables to all Australians. They are also focussed on ensuring business continuity in order to maintain crop production, harvesting and supply. It is vitally important in these unprecedented times for people to be able to access and continue to consume healthy and nutritious food,” said AFPA CEO, Michael Rogers.
It is noted that Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ), the government agency responsible for protecting the health and safety of people in Australia and New Zealand by maintaining a safe food supply, advises that ‘transmission (of coronavirus) through food is unlikely and there is no evidence of this occurring with novel coronavirus to date, however investigations into how the virus spreads are continuing.’
“Rigorous food safety and quality systems are already in place to guard against the spread of foodborne illnesses and viruses. Farmers remain vigilant in providing safe and nutritious fruit and vegetables to all Australians while managing the impact of coronavirus on individual businesses” said Mr Rogers.
AFPA members have more than 100 productions locations across Australia, and working with their 1,500 supplier growers, account for more than half of the fruit and vegetable supply in Australia. The Australian fruit and vegetable sector is productive, efficient, and resilient.
“In recognition of the fact that circumstances are changing on a daily basis, we will continue to work closely and cooperatively with government and retailers to ensure our members are doing all they can to continue the supply of fresh fruit and vegetables for all Australians.” said Mr Rogers.
Media Contact: Michael Rogers, CEO, 0409 648 911 About AFPA - The Australian Fresh Produce Alliance (AFPA) is made up of Australia’s key fresh produce growers and suppliers. AFPA members represent half the industry turnover of the Australian fresh produce (fruit and vegetables) sector - $4.5 billion of the $9.1 billion total; 1,000 plus growers through commercial arrangements and more than 15,000 direct employees through peak harvest, and up to 25,000 in the grower network.