Farming peak bodies cautiously optimistic on Ag visa

The Agricultural Worker Visa program is slated to have regulation in place by the end of September, however details remain scarce.

It is unknown which countries will be applicable for the visas, as the specifics are set to be negotiated between partner countries, such as the United Kingdom and ASEAN nations.

According to Federal Member for Mallee, Anne Webster, the applicants will come from a range of countries.

"The visa will be open to applicants from a range of countries and will be available to skilled, semi skilled and unskilled workers," Dr Webster said.

READ MORE:

"It will include meat processing, fisheries and forestry sectors and provide a basis for the ongoing growth of our primary industries."

Victorian Farming Federation president, Emma Germano, said the visas were long overdue, and were a welcome pathway towards tackling labour shortages.

"The design of the initiative will support increased seasonal workforce needs, such as those experienced in the grains and horticulture industry and support longer term opportunities and workforce needs in sectors like meat processing and our dairy and livestock industries," Ms Germano said.

"It's a critical step towards ensuring the tens of thousands of current and upcoming positions on Victorian farms are filled and our world-class produce isn't left rotting on the trees or unable to be harvested in the paddock."

Grain Producers Australia chair, Andrew Weidemann, said that while he supported the move, the impact on productivity in the sector remains to be seen.

MORE NEWS:

"A critical issue facing Australian grain producers today is the supply of workers with the skill and experience needed to operate heavy machinery and meet surge capacity during peak periods such as harvest and seeding," he said.

"Traditionally these workers have come from Northern Hemisphere countries such as Canada and Europe but the second year of COVID-19 travel restrictions has severely limited this option.

"We are yet to see any evidence that this new Agricultural Visa will support grain producers, especially in WA, who are facing serious labour shortages ahead of this year's harvest.

GrainGrowers chair Brett Hosking added that with harvests fast approaching, the timing of the visa rollout will be tight.

"Growers across Australia told us that labour and skills shortages are one of their biggest challenges and an issue for their enterprise," Mr Hosking said.

"For growers, an Ag Visa needs to be accessible to those who are qualified and have experience in grains related jobs."

"With a bumper harvest expected for many, we need to ensure there is an international solution especially with the current state border restrictions exacerbating labour problems for farmers," said Hosking.

Deputy Leader of the Nationals and Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud, said the workforce shortage was one of a major issue during COVID.

"While our farmers and industries have gone about their work keeping Australians and the world fed and clothed, they have done so under workforce constraints," Minister Littleproud said.

"With the changes to the Working Holiday Maker program following the UKFTA, the Government knew this was the time to put the agriculture visa in place.

"This is a structural change to the agricultural workforce. It gives our farmers a confidence to know they can go and plant a crop and know that they'll be able to get it off."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: