NFF welcomes new backpacker visa
The National Farmers Federation (NFF) is hoping a new working holiday-maker visa will help Australian farmers recruit seasonal workers.
The new visa came in yesterday and allows backpackers to extend their visa by doing at least three months of seasonal work.
NFF spokesman Duncan Fraser says his group will monitor how many people take up the offer but is concerned demand for labor will still exceed supply.
"We believe so we don't just want to think that 'oh yes, this will solve the problems' and just relax on that because we know that it won't be so we'll continue to pursue all avenues to address the problem," he said.
The NFF wants the Federal Government to do more to attract seasonal workers from overseas.
"We've got to look at other programs again and the last thing we want to see is fruit and vegetables left unharvested and in the ground and on trees. It's a terrible waste and it's the last thing we want to see."
The National Farmers Federation (NFF) is hoping a new working holiday-maker visa will help Australian farmers recruit seasonal workers.
The new visa came in yesterday and allows backpackers to extend their visa by doing at least three months of seasonal work.
NFF spokesman Duncan Fraser says his group will monitor how many people take up the offer but is concerned demand for labor will still exceed supply.
"We believe so we don't just want to think that 'oh yes, this will solve the problems' and just relax on that because we know that it won't be so we'll continue to pursue all avenues to address the problem," he said.
The NFF wants the Federal Government to do more to attract seasonal workers from overseas.
"We've got to look at other programs again and the last thing we want to see is fruit and vegetables left unharvested and in the ground and on trees. It's a terrible waste and it's the last thing we want to see."
