Statement of Principles document sets out greener future for growers

A first of its kind “Statement of Principles” document will strengthen the relationship between Australia’s greenlife industry and major retailer, Bunnings.

Unveiled in Orange, the document is designed to simplify and clarify the relationship between the two organisations and comes after extensive industry consultation.

Nationals Senator for New South Wales, Ross Cadell, joined Bunnings Group Managing Director, Michael Schneider, and CEO of Greenlife Industry Australia (GIA) Jo Cave for the release of the Statement of Principles.

“During the supermarket inquiry last year, we heard concerns from growers about their dealings with major buyers including Bunnings,” Cadell said.

“As a path forward, I brought the two parties together to find a way that delivered greater security and clarity for growers, and confidence in supply for Bunnings.

“It means that everyone out there working to grow green life products can have confidence in their long-term planning.

“This isn’t about politics. This is about delivering benefit to the people of Regional Australia.

Bunnings Group Managing Director, Michael Schneider, said the Statement of Principles echoed his organisation’s commitment to working with its suppliers to achieve greater transparency and accountability.

“This is a deeply collaborate document between Bunnings, GIA and our growers,” Schneider said.

“Bunnings is dedicated to maintaining genuine engagement and effective communication with our greenlife suppliers, to foster a collaborative environment and to support great business outcomes for greenlife suppliers and Bunnings.

“The Statement of Principles came about from a desire from industry to make sure that when working with a large organisation like Bunnings there is clarity on the things that we do when it comes to buying operations, inventory planning, and the handling of concerns.

Greenlife Industry Australia CEO, Jo Cave, welcomed the announcement as added protection for Australia’s greenlife industry.

“Greenlife growers are the only growers within the whole of Australian horticulture that do not benefit from a code of conduct. Cave said.

“The Statement of Principles creates greater clarity around obligations that give growers commercial certainty.

“This document embodies our whole purpose. It improves conditions for greenlife growers who do such an important job.

“It will enable growers to employ people and invest with confidence in their business and keep innovating and improving their products.”

You can read the full “statement of principles” document here.