Visa Delays Threaten Harvests And Regional Economies: NFF

The National Farmers’ Federation says proposed three-month processing timeframes for Working Holiday Maker visas could leave farms without essential labour during peak harvest periods.

By The Northern Rivers Rural News Desk

Australia’s peak farming body has warned that changes to Working Holiday Maker visa processing could threaten food production, workplace safety and regional economies.

The National Farmers’ Federation said a proposed three-month processing timeframe would leave many agricultural businesses unable to secure workers when crops were ready for harvest.

NFF president Hamish McIntyre described the change as a “low blow” for farmers and businesses producing Australia’s food and fibre.

“The Government’s unilateral slowdown on Working Holiday Maker visas has already caused havoc across agriculture ahead of the busiest time of year for food and fibre production,” Mr McIntyre said.

“A three-month processing target leaves farmers completely stranded with harvest already underway in parts of Queensland and the main season only weeks away.”

Working Holiday Makers are temporary visa holders who travel through Australia while undertaking short-term employment.

Agriculture relies heavily on these workers during seasonal peaks, particularly across horticulture, grains, cotton, red meat production and associated processing industries.

The NFF estimates Working Holiday Makers fill about one in seven Australian farm jobs. It says they account for approximately 44 per cent of horticulture workers, 31 per cent in grains, 26 per cent in red meat and 25 per cent in cotton.

During major fresh produce harvests, temporary international workers can reportedly provide up to 80 per cent of the required workforce.

Mr McIntyre said farmers needed visa decisions within days rather than months because agricultural work followed strict seasonal windows.

“For many farms, three months is the difference between harvesting a crop and losing it,” he said.

The Federal Government has identified agriculture as a priority sector and proposed a ballot for some second and third-year Working Holiday Maker applicants.

The NFF said a ballot could provide benefits if it preserved regional work requirements and maintained a reliable flow of workers. However, it argued the proposal would achieve little if applications could not be processed quickly enough.

Mr McIntyre said agriculture, fishing and aquaculture should receive separate recognition within the Government’s processing priorities.

The organisation has sought urgent discussions with the Federal Government and other political parties. It has also joined industry bodies in writing to the Prime Minister.

The NFF said processing changes introduced without adequate consultation had already affected farms, dairy businesses, contractors, processors and regional communities.

It reported that some dairy operations were relying on extensive overtime, while farming contractors awaited dozens of visa decisions ahead of silage and grain harvests.

“Every extra day of uncertainty pushes safety risks and stress onto farmers and workers already carrying unsustainable workloads,” Mr McIntyre said.

Workforce uncertainty comes as agricultural businesses face rising fuel, fertiliser, machinery and financing costs.

The NFF said broadacre cropping profits were projected to fall 39 per cent this season. It warned that labour shortages would add further pressure to businesses already operating with narrow margins.

Previous labour shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to significant fresh produce price rises and left some crops unharvested.

“When farms cannot get workers at the right time, crops are left unpicked, livestock care becomes harder, safety risks rise for people working unsustainable hours, and households ultimately pay the price at the checkout,” Mr McIntyre said.

The NFF supports action against worker exploitation and misuse of the visa system. However, it argues enforcement should target unlawful conduct without restricting legitimate farmers and workers.

“This is about the basics: food on shelves, regional businesses staying open, and farmers being able to run safe and productive operations,” Mr McIntyre said.