What was it all about?

This project conducted an independent evaluation of the Harmonised Australian Retailer Produce Scheme (HARPS).

It followed feedback on the scheme, which was launched in 2016 to streamline produce safety audits and consolidate reporting to increase efficiency for growers and retailers.

The evaluation identified and analysed the strengths and weaknesses in the current approach for all stakeholders, assessed the outcomes achieved, and recommended future and ongoing opportunities to enable HARPS to maximise impact, relevance, and remove duplication.

The project:

• Evaluated all program activities and their relevance to industry including market demand and value proposition for growers/suppliers of all scales;
• Evaluated the commercialisation approach to HARPS including governance, regulatory, policy and benefit-cost considerations, including end-user/adoption considerations; and  
• Provided clear recommendations for the future of HARPS, including deficiencies or gaps within HARPS and opportunities to build on the model.

Strategic Project Partners were involved in the evaluation within terms of reference set jointly by horticulture industry representatives and retailers.

More details: https://harpsonline.com.au