What is it all about?

This project is developing and testing a new approach to help Australian vegetable growers address ongoing shortages of skilled and semi-skilled labour. Many growers report persistent vacancies in operational roles such as machine operators, drivers and experienced farmhands, with existing labour schemes leaving businesses exposed to policy changes and complex recruitment processes.

The project is piloting a structured recruitment and matching program focused on India as a source country, using established training and skills assessment systems. Working with delivery partners, the project is identifying suitable candidates, verifying skills against Australian requirements and matching them with interested growers under approved migration pathways, including the Horticulture Industry Labour Agreement (HILA) and relevant Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA).

The project will deliver a practical pilot model, including a documented recruitment framework, evaluation findings and recommendations. Outcomes will help reduce recruitment complexity and cost, improve grower confidence in overseas worker readiness and support a scalable approach to skilled labour recruitment for the vegetable industry.