ACCC report into perishable agricultural goods recommends new prohibition on unfair trading practices

On 10 December 2020, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) released its report on trading practices and bargaining power imbalances in markets for perishable agricultural goods. After considering the existing regulatory framework contained in the Australian Consumer Law and industry codes of conduct, the ACCC recommended new actions and prohibitions against unfair trading. This article explores the issues identified by the ACCC, its recommendations, and the implications also in relation to the Dairy Code and Horticulture Code.