New penalties are a win for competition, NFF says

NFF President David Jochinke said the use of UCTs was a clear demonstration of what Australian farmers had known for a long time - there's not enough competition in the economy.

"It's remarkable that before now there was no penalty for the use of UCTs. These reforms will hold businesses to account for the use of UCTs," Mr Jochinke said.

Businesses now face penalties of up to $50 million - three times the value of the "reasonably attributable" benefit obtained from the conduct, if the court can determine this, or 30 per cent of adjusted turnover during the breach period.

"The NFF acknowledges the Australian Government's work introducing these reforms and supporting fair treatment of farmers and small businesses across the country," Mr Jochinke said.

"While the reforms are a step in the right direction, they're not the end of the journey.

"There is still a lot of work the Government must do to promote competition in Australia and ensure a level playing field for farmers and small businesses."

Changes to UCTs were a key recommendation of the ACCC's 2020 Perishable Agricultural Goods Inquiry, but Mr Jochinke said more had to be done on other recommendations.

"Unfortunately, farmers still feel a real threat of commercial retribution for speaking out about unfair treatment from businesses across the supply chain. Today's reforms won't help that.

"That's why the NFF continues to call on the Australian Government to deliver a full suite of competition reforms."

The reforms include: