The final report into the review of the code was released by the Government on 8 February 2016. It contained recommendations to maintain a revised code and for improvements to horticultural price reporting as part of securing the sustained viability of the horticulture sector.

Growcom, NSW Farmers, Vegetables WA and Victorian Farmers Federation have come together to call for the adoption of these recommendations in the lead up to the 2 July Federal Election.

"The independent review of the Horticulture Code clearly articulated the importance of real time price reporting to horticultural markets stating that ‘the need is great’ and ‘the potential benefit … is large," said NSW Farmers’ Horticulture Chair, Brett Guthrey, on behalf of the group.

"The reviewers also found that while some commercial price reporting exists, steps towards improving the timeliness and integrity of this reporting remain necessary.

"All the necessary information to bring real time reporting to life is already available and new technology enables this information to be delivered cheaply.

"The time for arguing about the benefits of the real time price reporting is finished – now is the time to deliver the benefits it will bring to Australia’s fruit and vegetable growers."

To bring about these benefits the review panel recommended that a feasibility study be undertaken into the establishment of a horticulture price reporting system. Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited has engaged consultants to undertake such as study in response to priorities identified by its horticulture levy paying members.

The grower groups also support the other recommendations made by the independent review panel which saw an amended code as important to ensuring business practices in the sector are acceptable.

"We’re calling on all sides of politics to address the issues raised by the review,” Guthrey concluded.