AUSVEG has backed the Victorian Farmers Federation criticisms over failure of authorities to implement Country of Origin Labelling (CoOL).

Following on from comments made by Victorian Farmers Federation president Peter Tuohey, this move follows the disappointing revelation in The Weekly Times on October 1, that not a single Victorian business has received fines for breaching CoOL laws.

“As stated previously, AUSVEG is concerned by the flagrant disregard by some fresh food retailers in Victoria with relation to implementation of Country of Origin Labelling laws,” said AUSVEG Spokesperson, Mr Michael Bodnarcuk.

“These laws were introduced to protect consumers and their ability to decide on the origin of the product that they will consume.”

“Studies have shown that the majority of Australians would prefer to buy locally grown fruit and vegetables and we believe that consumers are being robbed of this ability through improper labelling practices,” said Mr Bodnarcuk.

AUSVEG is the leading horticultural body representing Australia’s 9,000 vegetable and potato growers.

The industry is calling for refined Country of Origin Labelling laws to allow consumers to be sure about the quality and origin of the food that they are eating.

“AUSVEG believes in a strong regulatory framework and proper policing of relevant laws as vital to ensuring consumers know where their food is coming from,” said Mr Bodnarcuk.

“The enforcement of Country of Origin Labelling laws needs to be strong enough to prevent produce of dubious origin being brought in to Australia with ambiguous labelling,” said Mr Bodnarcuk.

AUSVEG urges authorities to implement more stringent policing of CoOL laws at smaller retailers and fresh food stores.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Michael Bodnarcuk, Spokesperson, AUSVEG, Phone: (03) 9882 0277 Mobile: 0400 114 266 E-mail: michael.bodnarcuk@ausveg.com.au