1MG FlippingBooks
Visa changes gives farmers access to emergency workforce
Elizabeth Gracie
Holiday makers stranded in Australia previously covered by the Seasonal Labour and Pacific Labour Schemes have been approved to work in the agricultural sector until the coronavirus pandemic has diminished in severity.
The new visa scheme announced by the Australian Federal Government will bring much needed relief for farmers who are already dealing with increased demand as a result of the pandemic.
This scheme will support businesses, provide job opportunities for seasonal workers and secure the nation's food supply according to Deputy Prime Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack.
Australian farmers will also benefit from added health controls at state borders that will impose strict self-isolation procedures for working holiday makers over a period of 14 days in order to protect the ongoing health of regional communities and Australia's agricultural sector.
Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge has noted the importance of seasonal visa workers as “they fill a critical workforce gap” in Australia's agricultural sector. This scheme will thus bring added food security to the nation with the extra hands to harvest crops and get them to supermarkets to ensure critical services continue.
NEWS
Australian farmers choose Bioflora for real results: sustainable roots, soil‑and‑plant biology that works, and a company genuinely committed to supporting growers’ season after season. 
Adding hectares isn’t the only business growth strategy for farmers. Smarter landforming can recover margin, improve efficiency, and deliver quicker returns — whether automation is on your agenda or not. 
As sheep producers adopt electronic identification, many are focusing on systems that keep work flowing in the yards and deliver value beyond compliance. For producers, the real benefit of EID is simple: faster yard work, more reliable reads, and cleaner flock records — all without adding extra steps. 
Regional Australia Bank is helping innovative farmers unlock productivity, diversify income, and build stronger regional businesses. 
As consumer expectations evolve, the need for safe, fresh, and sustainably produced food will only intensify. BOC and Elgas are at the forefront of this transformation, providing the gases, energy, and expertise that make paddock-to-plate possible. From boosting productivity on farms to ensuring the highest standards in packaging and preservation, their solutions empower Australia’s food industry to thrive—today and into the future.
When heat, rising input costs, and water scarcity collide, protecting yield becomes even more critical for growers. In that context, growers are prioritising proven products and technologies that reduce risk and perform under Australian conditions. 
