Pickers desperately needed

The significant lack of workers is putting pressure on fruit growers for the second year running and, with only one harvest per season, they are concerned their crops will be wasted while their livelihood is put at risk.

Fruit growers are focusing mainly on finding pickers and packers to be able to get the fruit off the trees and into cold storage ready for supply to avoid missing the harvest completely.

Although backpackers, who traditionally are the main pickers and packers, are now allowed into Australia, this does not assist with the need for workers this season, as working holiday visa holders usually do not start farm work until towards the end of their first year.

Therefore, Victorians and interstate Australians are being called on to take up the work and ensure the fruit makes it to our shops and markets and fruit growers’ livelihoods do not rot on the trees.

Most of the Victorian fruit harvesting work is in the Shepparton and Goulburn Valley areas and those who relocate to take up the agricultural positions for a minimum of four weeks can apply for the Federal Government assistance package AgMove.

AgMove provides up to $6000 to Australian job seekers and up to $2000 for international job seekers.

Some assistance with accommodation and transportation is available for pickers and packers who sign up through PickGV, as well as some opportunities to see the work in action for a day in Shepparton or Cobram to ensure it is right for them.

The Harvest Trail season started in November with cherries and will finish around May with apples. The regional work available is suitable for those looking for shorter term positions through the season, with a minimum of two weeks required by growers, or longer term — with some people staying on the whole season.

No experience is needed to work on the Harvest Trail and there are different jobs across the season, such as fruit picking, packing, thinning and pruning.

“We really are relying on Victorians or those coming into the state to get the fruit off the trees and packed ready for distribution to markets and supermarkets,” Fruit Growers Victoria’s Michael Crisera said.

“The last two years has been tough on everyone, but the Victorian fruit industry only has one season per year and the worker shortage is far worse than last year and growers know the whole season is at risk.

“The start of the season has already been difficult with the colder and wetter weather than usual and the repercussions of not having enough workers will not only impact the farmers themselves but the consumer.

“The consequences will be significant wastage, lack of income for the growers and lack of stock at the shops.

“Our fruit growers have plenty of positions available and we encourage anyone to give it a go. While the work is not for everyone, we have found that those that enjoy the outdoor work in the state’s regions love it.

“Last season we had people both young and old come and try a fruit harvesting job. Some came on a short term basis, and some stayed the whole season.

“Fruit harvesting is great for school leavers, grey nomads and those looking for work throughout the summer.”

While Harvest Trail applicants do not need experience, they need to be healthy, have a positive attitude and be double vaccinated. A typical day will be 7am to 3pm or 6am to 2pm but can be longer depending on the weather and fruit.

Workers are usually paid on a piecework rate (volume of fruit picked), so the harder they work, the more money they make. However, some orchards may offer an hourly award rate paid weekly or fortnightly. Those applying are encouraged to discuss pay rates with the employer before starting work.

Those considering a job in fruit harvesting or packing in Victoria should visit www.pickgv.com.au