Q What is the Agricultural Produce Commission (APC)?
A APC is a Western Australian statutory body established under the Act. The APC supports agricultural industries to establish Producers’ Committees that deliver services and initiatives for the benefit of producers and the long-term development of their industries.

Q Who is required to pay APC fees?
A If you are a producer in an industry that has an APC Producers’ Committee operating under the Act and a fee-for-service charge has been imposed for that industry, you are required to pay the fee. The fee applies because you are a producer in that industry. It is not dependent on where your produce is sold or marketed.

Q Who is responsible for paying the APC fee?
A The producer is legally responsible for paying the APC fee. The regulations for horticultural industries specifically state that the producer is liable for the charge. In many cases, a dealer collects the fee on behalf of the APC and remits it to the Commission on behalf of the producer. However, the use of a dealer does not transfer liability away from the producer.

Q When are APC fees payable?
A APC fees become payable when a charge has been imposed under the Act and published in accordance with the legislation. For many horticultural industries, fees are collected when produce is sold, received, processed or otherwise handled through arrangements specified in the regulations.

Q Do I have to pay APC fees if I sell my produce interstate or overseas?
A Yes. Selling produce interstate or overseas does not exempt a producer from APC fees. This is because the APC services are provided to Western Australian producers — regardless of the destination of their produce. If your industry has a Producers’ Committee and a fee applies, the fee remains payable.

Q Why do I still pay if my produce leaves Western Australia?
A The APC services are provided to Western Australian producers — regardless of the destination of their produce. These services can include:
  • Research, innovation, training and development
  • Biosecurity programs
  • Pest and disease management
  • Industry advocacy and representation
  • Market development activities
  • Industry communication and consultation
  • Collection of industry information and statistics

Q Where can I find the current APC fee rates?
A Current fee-for-service rates and return information are published by the APC and made available through the APC website. Because fee rates may vary between industries and can change over time, producers should refer to the latest APC notices, return forms or industry committee information, or contact the APC directly to confirm the current rate that applies to their business. Agricultural Produce Commission Western Australia

Q What do I get for my fees?
A Each producers’ committee is focussed on different priorities based on the needs of their producers. Services funded through fees-for-service can include produce:
  • quality programs, industry marketing and export development programs designed to expand the opportunities and value of your produce;
  • industry development and innovation activities aimed at helping you to improve the quality, sustainability or profitability of your business; and
  • biosecurity preparedness, surveillance and response aimed at reducing the risk and impact of exotic pest and disease.