Larry Saha Room (Rm #2175) in the Hayden-Allen building, ANU.  Presented by Dr Lyndal-Joy Thompson, Postdoctoral Fellow, School of Sociology, ANU.

Certification to GlobalGAP standards among Australian farms and agribusinesses at the current time exhibits distinct spatial clustering, raising questions about the relative role of horizontal networks (among producers) and vertical networks (such as value chains) in the promotion of certification.  A social network analysis was undertaken within one cluster – namely, businesses involved in fresh and processed vegetable production in North Tasmania – with a view to understanding the role of various networks in the adoption of industry QA standards including, Freshcare and GlobalGAP, and the impacts of these standards. Initial analysis of the data highlights key issues at the level of growers, their suppliers and food processors and retailers. It was found some of the impacts are symptomatic of the culture of Australian farming. Other impacts are focused on broader product labelling, import and free trade policy issues - and ultimately food security.