The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) Horticulture Group will be visiting the Sunraysia irrigation district again next week to survey more growers on labour challenges in Victoria’s horticulture industry.
“The crackdown by Australian Border Force last week in Sunraysia clearly demonstrates how urgently we need labour reform in the horticulture industry,” said Ms Emma Germano, VFF Horticulture Group President.
“We hope to use the first-hand accounts and data we gather from our survey of Sunraysia growers as a case- study to take to Government,” said Ms Germano.
The VFF is seeking growers of all commodities and sizes from the Mildura, Robinvale, Red Cliff and Merbein irrigation districts to complete the survey between Tuesday 12 and Friday 15 March. Growers do not need to be VFF members to participate.
“Many growers have already stepped up to the plate and participated in the survey. We are looking for more growers to survey to strengthen our results.
“The federal election is only around the corner, and these survey results will give us an opportunity to engage in more meaningful conversations with the Government and Opposition to make some headway in the agriculture visa discussion,” said Ms Germano.
Growers can arrange a time to complete the anonymous survey by contacting Ms Alana Pittard, VFF Horticulture Manager, on 0400 813 770 or [email protected].
Media Contacts:
Emma Germano, VFF Horticulture President, 0423 774 477
Heather Smillie, Stakeholder, Media & Communications Officer, 0400 874 589