Sweet new incentives to pick strawberries & melons

As the COVID-19 induced labour shortage continues to impact Australian farmers, federal and state governments have launched a number of initiatives aimed at getting more Australians working on farm.

From picking strawberries in Queensland to melon picking in the Northern Territory, here are the latest incentives on offer.

Growers and workers benefit in Territory’s sweet new melon incentives

The Northern Territory’s new campaign to support its $70 million melon industry and ensure farmers have the workforce they need to pick, pack and supply Australian melons.

Per the incentives, employers are eligible to receive up to $1,000 per worker if they attract interstate staff to relocate who work for a minimum of 30 hours a week for 5 consecutive weeks.

Alternatively, employers who hire Territory personnel who relocate over 90 minutes from their residence for farm work, are entitled to $250.

Employees are eligible to receive a $200 per week loyalty bonus (through payroll) after working for a minimum of 30 hours per week for 5 continuous weeks from 9 April until 14 July.

Find more information about the announcement here and search jobs via Harvest Trail here.

Pick strawberries in the sunshine state for the chance to win $100,000

Queensland Strawberries recently launched a new initiative aimed at encouraging Australians and visa holders to work on a Queensland strawberry farm this winter.

As part of the initiative, those who acquire a job picking or packing strawberries from June onwards will have a chance to play to win up to $100,000.

Every full average working week you compete on a participating farm earns you 100 entry points into the draw. The more weeks you work, the more entry points you earn.

For more information about the initiative and for terms and conditions, click here.

Federal Government Relocation Assistance

From 1 November 2020 to 31 December 2021, relocation assistance will be available for people to move and take up jobs in agriculture, including harvest work.

You may be eligible for financial assistance to help with the costs of travel and accommodation when you relocate to take up a short-term agricultural work opportunity.

All people who are at least 18 years of age and eligible to do harvest work in Australia, including all job seekers in employment service programs, and Australians not on income support (such as grey nomads and domestic students), will be eligible to claim a reimbursement of up to $6,000 when they relocate to take up short-term agricultural work including harvest work.

For more information about the relocation assistance on offer, click here.

To explore a range of agricultural employment services and career options, visit FarmHub.