Farmers warn of food security impact from visa changes

The federal government is proposing significant changes to the Working Holiday Maker visa system, which could have serious implications for Australia's food security. The agricultural industry is particularly concerned, warning that the changes could lead to worker shortages during peak harvest seasons. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced the overhaul of the visa system, which includes capping the number of renewed applications after one year.

Agricultural industries argue that this could result in a shortage of workers, particularly during busy harvest seasons for popular fruits and grains. Despite the industry's concerns, there is a silver lining: agriculture will be added to the skilled worker visa list. Currently, Queensland Farmers' Federation chief executive Kylie Porter fears that a lottery-type system could deter visa holders from staying in the country.

Dr. Kaya Barry, a Griffith University lecturer, explains that smaller farms rely heavily on backpacker labor during harvest seasons, and this visa reform could negatively impact them. The Australian Bureau of Statistics notes that agriculture employs over 250,000 workers annually, with a significant portion coming from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

The new visa changes would require backpackers to work 88 days in regional or remote areas of Australia to qualify for an additional year. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke revealed that processing times for these visas would now take up to three months, up from previous days. Citrus Australia's head, Nathan Hancock, acknowledges the challenges posed by the processing delays, which are particularly concerning as harvest seasons approach.

Berries Australia CEO Rachel Mackenzie warns that workforce shortages could lead to wasted crops, exacerbating the issue. While the addition of agriculture to the skilled worker visa is welcomed, industry leaders are calling for more clarity on which specific workers will be included.