HARPS Newsletter OCTOBER 2024 Edition
Welcome to the October edition of the HARPS Newsletter.
You will find in this edition:
Update to HARPS Version 2.0
Element 14.10 Scale Calibration – Bulk loose produce is now exempt from this Element.
HARPS had requested the Stakeholder Working Group to accept a blanket exemption over scale calibration requirements for bulk loose produce. More specifically in relation to the use of a test weight that is at or slightly above the maximum weight to be measures when bulk loose produce is processed.
This request has been approved and was communicated to all Certification Bodies on the 29th of August 2024. Therefore, in the instance of bulk loose produce only, the sentence “the mass of the test weight shall be at or slightly above the maximum weight to be measured for a product” no longer applies. The wording in relation to the test mass, in Element 14.10 is now only applicable for pre-packed produce.
To provide a clear reference point, all approved exemptions to HARPS Version 2.0 have been summarised in the HARPS Blanket Exemption Register. This table can also be accessible on the HARPS website by clicking [here].
HARPS Audit Royalty Fee Update for the 2024/2025 Financial Year
We would like to inform you that the HARPS Audit Royalty Fee has remained unchanged for the 2024/2025 financial year. You can view the detailed fee information on our website by clicking [here].
It’s important to note that there was a planned fee increase that included adjustments due to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is a measure of inflation. However, retailers have generously chosen to absorb this cost on behalf of participants, meaning that the expected increase will not be passed on to you. This allows for continuity without any additional financial burden during this period.
If you have any questions or would like further clarification, please feel free to reach out to us.
Important Reminder – Scheduling Audits in Advance
Businesses are reminded to schedule their audit well in advance of their current HARPS certificate’s expiration date. This will ensure there is enough time to:
- Resolve any Corrective Actions (CARs) raised during the audit process.
- Receive your new certificate before the old one expires, preventing any gaps in certification.
Please contact your Certification Body directly to discuss scheduling your audit.
If your business is currently approved or has been previously approved by HARPS and you are looking to change your Certification Body to another, click [here] to complete the Certification Body Request Form.
Appendix 2: HARPS Approved Certification Bodies (for Tier 1 and 2 Suppliers) and Contact Details identifies which approved Certification Bodies your business can work with.
Want to Become a HARPS Auditor?
Are you interested in becoming a HARPS Auditor?
As a standard, HARPS has been designed to assist horticultural growers and suppliers to better understand the requirements of Australia’s major grocery retailers in addition to legislative requirements. Therefore, HARPS requires trusted, competent and consistent auditors that can assist and assess growers and suppliers through this process of certification.
Prospective HARPS auditors must undergo a HARPS Witness Assessment before they can be approved. The Witness Assessment has been designed to identify whether suitably qualified auditors have the knowledge, capability and personal attributes to be able to successfully conduct a HARPS Audit.
Before a HARPS Witness Assessment can be undertaken, the applicant must have the following in place:
- Be approved to audit, by one or more of the external standard owners, with a relevant industry scope e.g. Intensive Horticulture, Primary Production.
- Be contracted to or employed by one or more the HARPS approved Certification Bodies.
- Have successfully completed HARPS V2.0 Auditor Training.
- Be familiar in accurately completing the HARPS Summary Form and Checklist.
If you are interested in finding out more information, please feel free to contact HARPS directly or alternatively speak with a HARPS approved Certification Body.
Fresh Produce Safety Centre Help Desk
FPSC-ANZ has launched a Helpdesk to support the fresh produce industry, including small to medium sized fresh produce growers who may not currently be part of a formal food safety scheme or have English as a second language (ESL). The Helpdesk offers technical assistance and resources related to fresh produce safety, providing practical guidance on topics such as pre- and post-harvest handling, and contamination prevention.
For inquiries requiring specialised expertise, the Helpdesk can efficiently redirect you to existing helpdesks or subject matter experts. The goal of FPSC-ANZ is to ensure growers have access to the information and support they need to implement best practices in fresh produce safety. For more information and to access the helpdesk, visit www.fpsc-anz.com.
Want to have your say? Complete the HARPS Survey!
Audit delivery, accuracy and consistency of auditors and the cost of auditing have been the subject of much debate and discussion since the release of the HARPS standard in 2016. To better understand industry sentiment relating to these concerns, the HARPS Retailer Committee agreed to conduct surveys, post-audit, aimed at establishing an improved understanding of the pain-points for HARPS client auditees.
Want to let us know about your experience with the HARPS audit? HARPS is running a survey to help us understand your views and experiences about HARPS and the audit process. For any business that has undergone an audit, a survey link is provided to you via email with a copy of the HARPS Certificate and the final audit report. Otherwise, click here to tell us your thoughts.
