Australian grain growers welcome Ag Visa despite tight timing
(Posted on 27/08/21)
GrainGrowers has welcomed the announcement by Australia’s Federal Government to deliver a dedicated agriculture specific visa (Ag Visa), although with headers expected to start rolling at the end of September, timing will be tight.
GrainGrowers is a leading voice for Australian grain farmers, representing their interests at a national and international level.
While the Ag Visa as announced by Minister Littleproud will widen the recruitment opportunities for an uncapped number of low to highly skilled workers from ASEAN countries operational from 30 September 2021, northern hemisphere countries are critical for the grains industry.
“In GrainGrowers’ recent policy survey, growers across Australia told us that labour and skills shortages are one of their biggest challenges and an issue for their enterprise,” said Brett Hosking, GrainGrowers Chair.
“For growers, an Ag Visa needs to be accessible to those who are qualified and have experience in grains related jobs. The Visa announced today is great news and we thank Minister Littleproud for his commitment to agriculture and hope to see it broaden to other eligible countries where our grains workforce traditionally come from, like those in the Northern Hemisphere.”
Agriculture has a goal of reaching $100 billion per annum by 2030 but to do so, it needs the workforce to support it.
“With a bumper harvest expected for many, we need to ensure there is an international solution especially with the current state border restrictions exacerbating labour problems for farmers,” said Hosking.
“State and Federal Government need to put aside their differences, work together collaboratively and offer consistent messages to ensure that agriculture’s essential workers can do their jobs.”
“Australian growers employ both domestically and internationally and need the variety of skills and experience that these labour pools have to offer. With growers optimistic about the season ahead there is a unique opportunity for those from home as well as overseas to get involved in Australian Ag’s best industry”.
Latest News
NGFA applauds reintroduction of HAULS Act
(Posted on 24/12/25)The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) has applauded Senator Deb. Fischer’s (R-Neb.) reintroduction... Read more
Anglo American and Teck receive approval for merger of equals
(Posted on 18/12/25)Anglo American plc and Teck Resources Limited have received regulatory approval from the Government... Read more
Rhodes Ridge $191m feasibility study on Pilbara iron ore mine
(Posted on 18/12/25)The Rhodes Ridge Joint Venture has approved a $191 million (A$294 million) (Rio Tinto share $96 million... Read more
Strong metals trading as Trafigura publishes annual results
(Posted on 09/12/25)Trafigura Group Pte Ltd, a global leader in the commodities industry, has announced its financial results... Read more
Rio Tinto’s Nuton technology produces first copper
(Posted on 09/12/25)Rio Tinto has successfully produced the first copper from the Johnson Camp mine in Arizona using its... Read more
US soy and Uzbekistan sign MoU to expand trade
(Posted on 02/12/25)The American Soybean Association’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health programme and the... Read more
KNAC and Rio Tinto sign updated agreement
(Posted on 02/12/25)Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation (KNAC) Registered Native Title Body Corporate and Rio Tinto... Read more
OCI Global announces sale of OCI Ammonia Holding to AGROFERT
(Posted on 02/12/25)OCI Global, a leading global producer and distributor of nitrogen products has announced that it has... Read more
Court of Appeal confirms permit for new steel plant in Luleå
(Posted on 24/11/25)In December 2024, SSAB was granted a permit by the Land and Environment Court at Umeå District... Read more
Simandou partners celebrate start of operations
(Posted on 15/11/25)The President of the Republic of Guinea has joined project partners WCS1, Baowu, Chinalco and Rio Tinto... Read more
