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Seasonal labour demand

The timing of when agricultural produce ripens, and the intense periods when labour is required, are strongly affected by that year’s weather. This means that farm schedules need to flexibly adjust to the weather experienced each year. However, under current arrangements for some foreign seasonal workers, growers have to fix hiring start and end dates ahead of when the fruit picking period is known.

This case study used historical weather data for mango-growing locations in the Darwin region to illustrate how much the peak period of demand for fruit pickers varies between years, and the challenges this creates for scheduling and hiring workers. More agility in immigration programs for foreign seasonal workers could enhance benefits to both employers and employees.

Agricultural crops and products are not like manufacturing. The timing of seasonal growth cycles and when produce is available for harvest is strongly influenced by the weather. This is particularly the case for intensive farming like aquaculture, fruit and vegetables. This includes mangoes, one of the most valuable agricultural products in the Darwin study area, worth about $50 million per year. Labour demands during the peak weeks when mangoes need to be picked and packed each year are substantial (equivalent to more than 1 in 50 workers resident in the study area), but the exact weeks when workers are most needed varies from year to year.
Themes
Published date
24 October 2019
Updated date
24 October 2019