Workers from overseas will find it much easier to get to Australian farms as quarantine requirements and caps for overseas arrivals is removed from November 1.
This change will help producers with current labour shortage pressures.
Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said the changes were a way to bolster the state’s agricultural workforce.
“Forecasts show this crop will tip 16.08 million tonnes, and it is critical farmers have the workforce they need to bring that in,” Mr Marshall said.
“By the NSW Government removing quarantine requirements, it clears further financial and logistical barriers for the ag industry to bring in foreign workers to help keep our supermarkets shelves stocked as they have all through the pandemic.”
Further advice about testing requirements is yet to be provided
The announcement comes after the State Government said more than 4,500 Department of Regional NSW staff would be entitled to a week’s Harvest Leave to help on farms.
Public servants can take Harvest Leave to help farmers get crops in
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