Farmers warn of a threat to food security due to visas

As part of the reform, it is planned to limit the number of repeated visa applications after a year of staying in the country. The agricultural industry warns that such measures could reduce production volumes and negatively impact Australia's food security due to labor shortages at the peak of the harvesting season.

Griffith University Senior Lecturer Kaya Barry explained that large farms hire most of their staff through the PALM (Pacific Australia Labour Mobility) program, whereas the changes will hit smaller family farms harder. According to her, such farms cannot guarantee year-round employment, so the labor deficit was covered by backpackers (working holiday visa holders). The expert noted that PALM participants will not be able to replace backpackers, as the agricultural sector needs highly mobile workers ready to work for several weeks and follow the harvest across the country.

The situation is compounded by the fact that the federal government previously suspended applications for such visas from 24 out of 29 countries. Document processing times have increased from a few days to three months, which, according to Citrus Australia CEO Nathan Hancock, creates a severe burden for industries where harvesting begins in two weeks.

Berries Australia Executive Director Rachel Mackenzie added that during the berry harvesting period in New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania, labor shortages could lead to crop losses. The industry needs backpackers to handle peak loads in addition to PALM workers.

The agricultural community considers the inclusion of agriculture in the skilled worker visa a positive development. However, Nathan Hancock emphasized the need for more clarity regarding which specific types of workers will fall under this category.