Workforce Shortages

The fresh produce (fruit and vegetable) industry is both the fastest growing and one of the most labour-intensive sectors within Australian agriculture. Industry typically employees a combination of Australians and temporary visa holders to undertake harvest roles. The international border closures as a result of COVID-19 have seen a significant drop in the number of workers who typically undertake harvest work in the industry. As a result, industry is predicting shortages of up to 26,000 workers by March 2021.
How is industry short of workers?
The fresh produce industry typically employs a combination of Australians and temporary visa holders. COVID19 has meant that many of these workers aren't able to travel to Australia, and most of the workers that were in Australia have returned home. Typically, the fresh produce industry employs 52,000 Working Holiday Makers, 10,000 Seasonal Worker Program workers and up to 5,000 Australians in harvest roles.