The change was announced by Victorian Agriculture Minister Mary-Anne Thomas on Monday, January 4.
However, this exemption only applies to NSW residents travelling south, not Victorian farmers with business in NSW.
Victorian agriculture workers living outside the border bubble and re-entering Victoria after conducting work in NSW will still be required to self-isolate for 14 days and get tested for COVID-19 twice.
The purpose of this new exemption permit is to allow NSW agriculture workers into Victoria under the same arrangements as the freight and essential services industries.
This means workers travelling into Victoria must only remain in the state for the period necessary and minimise all contact with others.
These permitted agriculture workers must wear a face mask in all public places, get regularly tested for COVID-19, self-quarantine when not working and only leave their accommodation for takeaway food, bathroom stops and medical care.
Ms Thomas urged anyone needing support to get in touch with Agriculture Victoria as their first port of call.
“Many of our agriculture workers need to cross the border to perform their vital work – these permits will allow that to happen while keeping our state safe,” Ms Thomas said.
“We’re backing the food and fibre industry in these challenging times.”
Agriculture workers who need to cross the border will be able to apply for a permit at service.vic.gov.au from January 4 or can contact Agriculture Victoria on 136 186.
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