Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

Introduction

This statement is made on behalf of Mr Fothergill’s Seeds Pty Ltd pursuant to Division 270 and 271 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code Act 1995 in Australia and comprises our slavery and human trafficking statement.

This statement outlines the steps taken as a business to identify and prevent slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We understand our responsibilities and are committed to improving our practices to combat slavery and human trafficking.

The Business

Mr Fothergill’s Seeds is the Australia’s largest provider of hobby garden horticultural seeds and related garden products. Employing over 65 staff and operating in Australia and internationally in both B2B and D2C markets. The principal activities being sourcing, packing and distribution.

The Australian operations are headquartered in South Windsor NSW, where employment practices are rigorously controlled by our internal Human Resource department to standards well above those set out in statutory legislation. Contractors, workers and agency staff are also rigorously audited in view of Division 270 and 271 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code Act 1995.

Supply Chains

Our supply chains are global and offer us the biggest challenge, so have been the first external focus of attention. Based upon risk assessments, our highest risk and largest suppliers are audited via a combination of online audits and supplier visits. Mr Fothergill’s Seeds commits to extend the scope of these annual audits.

Our Policies on Slavery and Human Trafficking

Mr. Fothergill’s Seeds’ Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking policy reflects our commitment to acting ethically and with integrity in all business relationships and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking is not taking place anywhere in our business and supply chains. Our whistleblowing policy provides a system for employees to escalate slavery and human trafficking issues and breaches of our policy. The policy is reviewed annually in line with the changing business.

No breaches or suspected breaches have been reported to date.

Due Diligence Processes For Slavery and Human Trafficking

To identify, monitor and mitigate risk is the responsibility of the Board of Directors, aided by the Human Resource department.

A target for the coming year is to increase the reach and coverage of this due diligence via a process of communication and training of the senior management team to further identify potential risks of modern slavery.

Statement

This statement is made pursuant to Division 270 and 271 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code Act 1995 and constitutes Mr Fothergills Seeds Pty Ltd Slavery and Human Trafficking statement.

Aaron Whitehouse
Managing Director