The Australian government threw farmers a lifeline earlier this month when it announced the extension of visas for foreign workers in agriculture and food processing during the Covid-19 crisis, but workers will still need to self-isolate for 14 days when moving to a new region.
The extension allows growers access to working travelers and gives them access to workers within the Pacific Labour Scheme, which permits Pacific Islanders to work in Australia, and the Seasonal Worker Programme, which authorizes Pacific Islanders and Timorese to fill employment gaps that cannot be filled by locals.
The visa changes provide working travelers in the agricultural sector an exemption from the restrictions that limits work with an agricultural employer to six months.
In response to the announcement, Australia’s National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) president Fiona Simson expressed her gratitude to the government for understanding the importance of foreign workers as farm laborers.
See Also:Coronavirus CrisisSimson pointed out that farmers would still prefer to employ local workers though, and she encouraged Australians who are unemployed to consider farm work where possible.
Virgin Australia pilots who have lost their jobs due to the coronavirus crisis have reportedly started working as farm laborers already.
But Simson said Australians are not very interested in farm work at a time when people want to stay close to their families.
To further assist the country’s growers and workers during this time, the NFF has developed a Covid-19 Workplace Guide.
The handbook provides guidelines on industrial relations, hygiene practices, workers’ accommodations, quarantine and more.
This resource can be downloaded from the Australian Olive Association (AOA) website, which provides growers with additional resources to manage Covid-19 challenges.
Related Articles
Sep. 6, 2023
In Australia, Mediterranean Diet Costs Less than Alternatives, Study Finds
Researchers found Australians could save 28 Australian dollars per week by following the Mediterranean diet.
Aug. 31, 2023
Australian Producers Face Mixed Fortunes
Growers have had a bountiful olive harvest overall, but their oil yield was lower than average.
Oct. 31, 2023
Trade Group Launches Digital Campaign to Promote Olive Oil in Australia
The Australian Olive Oil Association has teamed up with leading social media influencers to encourage consumers to use more olive oil.
Feb. 26, 2024
Australian Olive Growers Begin Harvest With Mixed Expectations
A light crop year is expected to lead to a limited supply and higher prices.
May. 23, 2023
Backyard Growers Create Prize-Winning Olive Oil in Australia
Two Australian organizations are working to prevent olives growing in Melbourne from going to waste by milling combined batches and returning the oil to the community.
Apr. 1, 2024
Olive Lace Bug Adds to Harvest Woes for Australian Farmers
Wet summers and mild winters have allowed the Australian lace bug to spread from its usual host plants to olive trees across the island.
Aug. 29, 2023
World Olive Oil Competition Southern Hemisphere Live Updates
The NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition is unveiling award winners in the Southern Hemisphere division of the annual quality contest. Olive Oil Times writers around the world are covering the results and reactions.
Oct. 23, 2023
Australians Overcome Cold, Wet Harvest to Win in New York
Producers in Australia earned fifteen awards at the 2023 NYIOOC after a chilly, damp harvest reduced their yield.