“Many Australian farms face problems finding a reliable workforce in busy periods of the year,” said AUSVEG CEO Richard Mulcahy, speaking at a conference in Queensland today.

“The Pacific Seasonal Workers Pilot Scheme, which is organised through the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations helps growers by arranging short term labour in the form of willing assistants from islands such as Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga,” said Mr Mulcahy.

AUSVEG is the Peak Industry Body for Australia’s 9,000 vegetable and potato growers.

“Vegetable and fruit growers previously relied on backpacker labour, which is becoming increasingly scarce with the current uncertain global financial situation leading to less people spending on travel,” said Mr Mulcahy at a conference held for the scheme this morning.

“The pilot scheme benefits growers as the workforce remain at their farm for periods of four to six months, which cuts down on the amount of re-training that they need to do during their busiest periods of the year.”

“Another benefit of this scheme is that often workers return to the same farm year after year, meaning skills are retained and overall efficiency is improved.”

“The scheme also assists keen workers from Pacific Islands, where opportunities for work can be scarce, as these growers are paid to Australian standards, with money earned often used to support their families back home,” said Mr Mulcahy.

“A scheme like this is beneficial for all parties involved, as growers benefit through access to reliable and skilled workers, Australian industries are supported through improvements in efficiency and the workers benefit through employment that they may not otherwise have access to,” said Mr Mulcahy.

Mr Mulcahy urged growers thinking about using the scheme to plan ahead and prepare early as the process of arranging Pacific labour can take a number of months.

Anyone interested in more information on the scheme should call the Pilot information line on (02) 6240 5234, or email seasonalworker@deewr.gov.au. The website for the scheme can be found at http://www.deewr.gov.au/Employment/Programs/PSWPS/Pages/default.aspx.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Hugh Gurney – Communications Officer – AUSVEG Phone: (03) 9822 0388, Mobile: 0410 047 432 Email hugh.gurney@ausveg.com.au