HARPS 2.0 released with more resources for Tier 2 growers

The HARPS Version 2.0 Standard launched on October 17 after a review which began in 2019 by the HARPS Retailer Committee.

According to the committee, Version 2.0 reflects the "foundational nature of the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) benchmarked standards", whilst building upon the requirements to ensure safety, quality, compliant products customers expect when purchasing fruit, vegetables and nuts in-shell.

The world-first scheme which was launched in 2016, harmonises all retailer-specific food safety, trade and legal requirements of each of Australia's five major grocery retailers (ALDI, Coles, Woolworths, Costco and Metcash) as well as Hello Fresh and McDonald's Australia, into one scheme that all these retailers accept.

This means producers need to meet only one food safety standard instead of having six.

Under HARPS, growers must now meet one of three base schemes for food safety: Global GAP, SQF or Freshcare.

Throughout the process of reviewing the original scheme, specific attention was given to the requirements for Tier 2 growers, who are often less well-resourced than Tier 1 suppliers.

The revised standard is accompanied by additional support tools for growers and suppliers, including guidance for each element and how to achieve compliance.

One Direction ANZ is the entity responsible for the ongoing management of HARPS.

One Direction ANZ managing director Tristan Kitchener said there are significant efficiencies gained by having one audit that satisfies multiple retailers' requirements and having a business model established whereby producers and industry can engage directly with retailers as a collective group.

Freshcare has worked with HARPS to create streamlined resources for growers and businesses aiding certification to Freshcare and approval to HARPS.

Freshcare chief executive officer Jane Siebum said many businesses struggle with the demands of multiple audit requirements for retail markets.

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"We are constantly looking at ways to streamline the implementation of requirements for our participants of which a number are smaller, family run businesses," Ms Siebum said.

"The more growers, participants and businesses we can get certified, the more retail market access Australian businesses have, which in turn assists the longevity and sustainability of our industry.

"This project has been a true collaborative effort between two organisations who want the same positive outcomes for industry."

The Version 2.0 Standard, updated Scheme Rules and other Technical Documents, including easy-to-use templates, are available in the Document Library on the HARPS website.

The standard also incorporates guidance developed by the Fresh Produce Safety Centre.

Each element within the Standard has been reviewed, discussed and debated by the HARPS Technical Advisory Group (H-TAG), a group comprised of Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, as well as a diverse group of industry representatives, including auditors, trainers and peak industry body representatives.

The H-TAG have provided recommendations for improvements to the Retailer Committee.

Following the October 17 launch, Tier 1 suppliers will have six months to transition to Version 2.0, with a mandatory transition date of April 17, 2023.

Tier 2 suppliers are permitted 12 months to transition, with a mandatory transition date of October 16, 2023.

Any new suppliers to HARPS from October 18, 2022 will require an audit against the Version 2.0 Standard.

In addition, short and easy-to-follow training guides have been developed to help businesses update their existing QA processes and systems to the Version 2.0 Standard.

Transition training will be HARPS Version 2.0 available on the HARPS website.

For those requiring more comprehensive training, visit the training page on the HARPS website to find a trainer in your state or capital city.

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