NSW workers are being encouraged to take up a job on a farm to help the State’s primary producers overcome a pandemic-induced workforce shortage that is set to coincide with what is expected to be a record spring harvest.
Minister for Agriculture, Adam Marshall said the State’s agricultural industry was facing a labour shortfall and travellers and out-of-work New South Wales residents could be well placed to help once stay-at-home orders were lifted.
“I’m putting out a call to arms for adventure seekers and job seekers alike to head to the bush for a bumper harvest,” Mr Marshall said.
“Our farmers are hurting from international and State border closures and it’s critical they have the workforce needed to produce our food and fibre,” he said.
“Agriculture stops for no one.
“If we don’t put the necessary measures in place to get more boots on the ground in the coming months, fruit will rot and crops will waste.”
Mr Marshall said last year’s harvest was huge and all signs pointed to an even bigger spring harvest this year.
“This is the grand finale, the big dance, the Olympics of harvests for our broadacre cropping communities and you can be a part of these tumbling records,” he said.
“We must do all we can to keep communities safe from COVID, but I’d love to see people head west when we’re out of lockdown for a truly unique experience.”
He said the work was tough, but experience was not necessary, the money was good and people could upskill on the job.
Mr Marshall said those interested should visit the Department of Customer Service’s and the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s Help Harvest NSW website which connected agricultural employers with people looking for work.
The Help Harvest NSW website can be accessed at this PS News link.
