Harvest help for farmers across Hilltops

A dedicated website to connect farmers seeking workers and contractors for harvest has been launched by the NSW Government.

The website, ‘Help Harvest NSW’, will help farmers contact and arrange workers ahead of what is expected to be the best harvest in years.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke welcomed the launch of the website by the NSW Government, and said the one-stop portal would connect prospective employers with workers as part of the NSW Government’s COVID Recovery Plan. “This is shaping up to be the biggest harvest since the drought began, so it is critical primary producers are able to find the workers they need to get their crops in,” Ms Cooke said.

“Much of our agricultural labour comes from overseas, but COVID-19 international travel restrictions mean there isn’t the number of farm workers the ag industry needs. The Help Harvest NSW website will help overcome this challenge by connecting job-seeking Australians with agricultural work opportunities in NSW.”

With higher than average unemployment due to COVID-19, Steph Cooke said that ‘Help Harvest NSW’ is an alternative way that would help job-seekers into work and get the State’s workforce moving. “We know COVID-19 has presented all sorts of challenges to farmers in the Cootamundra electorate and across NSW, and we know it has put many people out of work,” Ms Cooke said.

“My message to anyone looking for a job is this: consider agriculture. The work is tough but rewarding. Take a look at Help Harvest NSW and see what job opportunities are around the corner.”

To explore the ‘Help Harvest NSW’ site, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/help-harvest-nsw

• Topics:

• Agriculture
• Covid-19