AGRICULTURE WORKERS CODE TO HELP HARVEST

​​Thursday, 24 September 2020​ 

Finding critical workers for the upcoming harvest season will be easier for local farmers thanks to the inclusion of the new Agricultural Workers Code into NSW Public Health Orders relating to COVID-19.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said she welcomed the move which should assist local farmers in securing workers at harvest time. 

“This change to the Public Health Order means eligible workers have a pathway to enter NSW, there will be restrictions such as self-isolating when not working, but it means some of the gaps in our harvest workforce can be filled,” Ms Cooke said.

“Every harvest worker coming in to our communities is a boost to the local economy, whether they are renting accommodation, buying food or purchasing fuel. I am so pleased NSW has made this change to bring these important people in to our communities for the harvest period.” 

“Importantly, those with an Agricultural Worker Permit may cross the border by land – this means they don’t need to enter NSW via Sydney airport. This is a sensible change that will help our communities bring in what is likely to be one of our best harvests in years.” 

Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Adam Marshall said the NSW Government had been a driving force behind the inter-jurisdictional agreement. 

“Our farmers have just come out of the worst drought on record, and they are now poised to begin their recovery with the largest winter crop harvest since 2016, and they need the workforce to take advantage of that,” Mr Marshall said. 

“This Code will allow the critical free movement of agricultural workers across state borders so that primary industries can not only continue to feed and clothe the nation, but be the driving force behind the economic recovery from COVID-19.”

Agricultural worker permits will be available from www.service.nsw.gov.au from Friday, 25 September.

A list of areas of concern can be found here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-rules/border-restrictions/areas-of-concern