NFF president David Jochinke said workforce access was shaping up to be one of the most pressing issues for farmers at the May 3 federal election.
“We’re calling on all political leaders to understand that without a reliable farm workforce, our ability to produce affordable, high-quality food and fibre is under direct threat,” Mr Jochinke said.
“Labour shortages are already forcing some farmers to leave crops unharvested, turn away business, or scale back production.”
On domestic labour, Mr Jochinke said it was time for a review and the election provided an opportunity to do this.
“On the home front, farmers are grappling with increasingly complex industrial relations laws,” he said.
“We’re asking for a review into these laws, because we believe there are huge productivity gains to be achieved by adjusting these rules.”
The NFF also believes that extending the AgCAREERSTART gap year program for another three years, and establishing a dedicated agriculture trade apprenticeship, would help bolster the domestic workforce.
Mr Jochinke said employers relied on multiple, secure pathways for overseas workers.
“The PALM Scheme is especially fraught. It’s become unworkable for many growers thanks to rigid rules and administrative burden,” he said.
“There was real concern raised when the Migration Review flagged limiting, or worse, removing the 88-day regional work incentive for backpackers.
“Thousands of backpackers choose to work in agriculture, and without them, we will see farmers walk away from farming.”
A solution has been proposed by the Coalition, which the NFF has backed.
“Long-term, we’d like to see a dedicated farm visa for those who want to come and work on Aussie farms,” Mr Jochinke said.
“Farmers are dealing with a hotchpotch of migration streams, including the backpackers, which are not designed directly for agriculture.
“We note the Coalition’s commitment to introducing a visa for agriculture and 100 per cent throw our support behind that.
“Any politician serious about addressing cost of living will recognise a viable workforce is key to making sure food prices don’t continue to climb.”
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