New Ag Visa to provide reliable workforce

Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, is pleased that the Federal Government has delivered a new Ag Visa to provide a reliable workforce for agricultural industries. Photo supplied

The Federal Government has created an agriculture visa to help secure the future of rural Australia.

The Agricultural Worker Visa will provide a long-term workforce for industry while solving one of the great challenges facing rural Australia.

Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, said he was proud to be a part of a government that has delivered for regional communities.

“This visa will be in place by the end of September,” Mr Coulton said.

“It will be open to skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers from various countries to assist the cropping, beef, dairy, wool and horticulture industries .

Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud said the agriculture workforce shortage has been a major issue during COVID.

“While our farmers have gone about their work, keeping Australians and the world fed and clothed, they have done so under workforce constraints,” Minister Littleproud said.

“This is a structural change to the workforce. It gives our farmers confidence to plant a crop and know that they’ll be able to get it off.

“It will complement the Pacific programs, and we will also consider permanent residency options under the new Ag Visa.”