Backpackers Dominate Workforce

It seems that backpackers are taking over Queensland farms, the vast majority of the sector is staffed by overseas workers, most being backpackers. To give you a snapshot backpacker visa numbers jumped from 185,480 in 2010-11 to 249,231 in 2012 -13, now that’s a lot of potential fruit pickers.

Growcom is the peak body for fruit and veg producers in Queensland, the chairman John Bishop was quoted saying “ “We can’t live without backpackers and Queensland can’t live without them.” Many farmers have been quoted saying “ employing Australians is a rare thing – they don’t want to do hard physical work, don’t like the heat and don’t like country living.”

It’s great to see backpackers and working holiday makers contributions to the Australian economy being recognised by both senior members of the Industry and farmers on the front line.

Keep up the good work and if you need a job, you know where to look.