Horticulture output holds despite fewer workers

ABARES research reveals that in 2020–21 Australian horticultural farm output levels have remained steady despite an eight per cent drop in the number of workers employed on farms.

 

The Labour use in Australian agriculture: Analysis of survey results report has found improved growing conditions and farm-level adaptations have countered the reduced availability of overseas labour during COVID-19.

 

ABARES Executive Director Jared Greenville said the effects of COVID-19 on the Australian agricultural workforce have been most directly felt in the horticulture sector.

 

“The number of workers used by horticultural farms declined by 11,100 from 2019–20 to 2020–21 mainly due to fewer seasonal Working Holiday Makers,” Dr Greenville said.

 

“Despite this, overall horticulture output levels are estimated to have remained relatively steady, partly due to an improvement in seasonal conditions.

 

“Output has also been maintained through a range of adaptations that many horticulture producers made in response to the reduced availability of overseas labour.

 

“These included increasing the hours worked by the existing workforce, altering production systems and by employing more Australians and overseas residents already in Australia — incentivised by government labour market initiatives.

 

“ABARES September quarter horticulture market analysis found retail prices for fruit and vegetables increased beyond the levels typically seen at that time of year, indicating supply may be lower than usual or increased costs of labour are being passed through to consumers.

 

“Horticulture farms used around 135,100 workers on average over the course of 2020–21, including family, permanent and contract employees.

 

“Total farm labour use varied from a low of around 126,000 workers in Winter and early Spring to a peak of 146,300 workers in Summer and early Autumn.”

 

Results from ABARES recent labour surveys are presented in the report using a data visualisation.