Food and Grocery Code Education Program

Purpose and Program Overview

The Supporting Fresh Produce Suppliers – Food and Grocery Code Education Program aims to strengthen the capability of Australia’s fresh produce industry by funding national training initiatives. The program focuses on helping suppliers of fresh fruit, vegetables, and mushrooms understand their rights under the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct, and negotiate more effectively with major grocery retailers.

Through this initiative, the Australian Government will invest up to $2 million to support fresh produce industry associations in developing and delivering targeted education and training. The program plays a crucial role in promoting fair trading, transparency, and equitable relationships between fresh produce suppliers and large grocery businesses.

Food and Grocery Code Education Program forms part of the government’s broader commitment to improving business practices within the food and grocery supply chain, ensuring smaller suppliers can participate confidently and competitively.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: $500,000 to $2 million (up to 100% of eligible expenditure)
  
• Total funding pool: Up to $2 million across three grants
  
• Applications open: Friday, 5 December 2025 – 10:00am AEDT
  
• Applications close: Friday, 23 January 2026 – 5:00pm AEDT
  
• Eligible applicants: National fresh produce industry associations representing fresh fruit, vegetables, or mushrooms
  
• Co-contribution required: None (100% funding available)
  
• Program duration: 2025–26 to 2027–28
  
• Location: Australia-wide
  

Priority Sectors

This grant specifically supports fresh produce industry sectors, including:

• Fresh fruit suppliers
  
• Fresh vegetable suppliers
  
• Fresh mushroom suppliers
  

Funding Scope

• Minimum grant: $500,000
  
• Maximum grant: $2,000,000
  
• Funding coverage: Up to 100% of eligible expenditure
  
• Funding duration: Projects must be completed by 31 March 2028
  
• Number of grants: Up to three
  

Projects must focus on the development and national delivery of free training (e.g. eLearning modules, webinars, roadshows) to help suppliers understand and apply the Food and Grocery Code.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Hold an ABN or Indigenous Corporation Number
  
• Be registered for GST
  
• Have an Australian financial institution account
  
• Be a national industry association representing one or more of:
  
  • Fresh fruit
    
  • Fresh vegetables
    
  • Fresh mushrooms
    
• Represent at least 100 individual members, 6 member businesses, or 10 organisations/companies
  
• Demonstrate the capability to deliver training nationally (rural, regional, and metropolitan areas)
  
• Be incorporated in Australia (including not-for-profits, co-operatives, or companies limited by guarantee)
  

Ineligible applicants include individuals, unincorporated associations, partnerships, government bodies, and training organisations that are not also recognised industry associations.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

Funding may be used for:

• Development and delivery of free national training (e.g. workshops, webinars, eLearning modules)
  
• Staff labour and associated on-costs (up to 30%)
  
• Contractor and expert advisory fees
  
• Domestic travel, accommodation, and logistics
  
• Production of training and promotional materials
  
• Education content development and translation services
  
• ICT system upgrades for project delivery
  
• Auditing, evaluation, and reporting activities
  

Assessment Process

Food and Grocery Code Education Program is a competitive grant opportunity. Applications will be assessed against criteria outlined in the grant guidelines, including:

• Project merit and alignment with program objectives
  
• Capability and capacity to deliver national training outcomes
  
• Value for money and project feasibility
  
• Accessibility of training for diverse supplier groups (including First Nations and CALD communities)
  

Recent Program Updates

• Opening soon: Applications open 5 December 2025
  
• New funding pool: $2 million over three years (2025–28)
  
• Focus: Supporting smaller suppliers’ understanding of the Food and Grocery Code
  

Application Tips

• Review the grant opportunity guidelines before applying.
  
• Ensure your organisation meets all eligibility requirements.
  
• Prepare supporting evidence of national representation and delivery capacity.
  
• Clearly outline how your training supports fresh produce suppliers’ rights under the Code.
  
• Submit a complete application before the deadline; amendments cannot be made after submission.
  

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting a grant specialist for personalised eligibility assessment and expert preparation of a compliant and competitive application. Contact Pattens Group today to connect with Australia’s leading grant experts with over 35 years of experience and a perfect success rate. For official information, guidelines, and application templates, visit the business.gov.au program page.