Visa processing delays raise harvest concerns for Victorian farmers

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) says slower visa processing is creating uncertainty for Victorian farmers as the state’s agricultural sector heads into harvest and peak production periods.

Immigration Minister Tony Burke has confirmed that working holiday visas are continuing to be processed, but “more slowly than they were previously”, while regional employer-sponsored visas have been dropped from the priority list.

The VFF says seasonal agricultural workforce policy should not become caught up in the broader migration debate.

VFF President Ryan Milgate said farmers needed certainty and access to skilled workers when crops and livestock required it.

“We are already seeing the impacts of workforce uncertainty, and the timing could not be worse as Victorian agriculture heads into peak harvest and production periods.”

“If a crop is ready to harvest and the cattle need to be milked and the workers are not there, it will be a potential disaster. There will be no option but to let produce rot on the tree, wilt in the paddock or significantly scale back on-farm production.”

Milgate said the VFF was working with national farming organisations and calling on decision makers to consult farmers before making changes affecting agricultural labour.

VFF Grains President Jason Mellings said grain growers were facing higher fuel, fertiliser, input, and operating costs and needed sufficient labour to complete the harvest.

“For grain growers, this is shaping up to be one of the most expensive crops we have ever planted.”

VFF Horticulture President Michael Crisera said horticultural growers were particularly exposed because crops have narrow harvest windows.

“In horticulture, timing is everything. When fruit and vegetables are ready, they need to be picked. You cannot put a crop on hold while you wait for workers to arrive.”

“A shortage of workers at the wrong time can mean produce is left in the field, quality is lost, and growers lose income. We need confidence that the workforce will be available when the crop is ready,” Crisera said.

Acting VFF UDV President Mark Billing said workforce issues also affected dairy production, where labour is required every day for milking and animal care. He said visa uncertainty increased workloads for existing staff and created fatigue and safety risks.

Milgate said agricultural workforce requirements needed to be considered within broader migration policy, particularly as growers approach harvest.

© VFFFor more information:
Victorian Farmers Federation
Tel: +61 1300 882 833
Email: [email protected]
www.vff.org.au