The Territory Labor Government is working to bolster its international workforce pool to maximise on agricultural opportunities, as Mango season opens for 2022.
The season the Northern Territory is expected to harvest 2.7 million trays of mangos, 300,000 trays more than last year, making for a bumper crop and adding $128 million to the Territory Economy. This year’s late and cooler than usual Top End dry season stimulated a higher number of flowers on mango trees which increased the potential yield of the mango crop.
This year’s crop represents just over half of Australia’s total mango harvest, with a portion of the crop picked to be exported to the Asian and American markets. Further boosting the impact of mangos onto the Territory Economy, around 2,000 pickers are employed by mango farmers during the harvesting season.
The Territory Labor Government and NT Farmers have been active in attracting domestic and international workers to contribute to the industry, including through the a promotional video campaign, promoting careers in the farming sector to school and university students, and developing innovative programs to provide employment opportunities to refugees and long term unemployed.
Meanwhile, Minister for Business, Jobs and Training Paul Kirby will also lead a delegation to Timor-Leste this week in an effort to attract workers for hospitality, construction, agriculture and other Territory industries.
One of the priorities will be discussing the opportunity to partner with Timor-Leste to bolster Australia’s workforce, including fruit pickers.
The Territory Labor Government is talking to the Australian Government about a streamlined Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) process to expedite migration workers coming to the Territory for work opportunities.
While in Timor-Leste, Minister Kirby along with NT Farmers will also look at further business, opportunities, business and farm visits and a trade expo.
Minister for Business, Jobs and Training, Paul Kirby: “Territory mangos are an iconic Australian cuisine which are sold in supermarkets across the country and internationally. The mango industry is an essential part of the Territory’s agricultural industry and economy."
“Farmers are capitalising on perfect weather conditions to maximise this year’s crop which will be a boon for the industry. The agriculture industry offers wide and varied career options and this mango season is the perfect opportunity for anyone considering a change to take the step."
“Not only do mango farmers provide the delicious fruit, but also employment to seasonal workers who are vital in ensuring the prosperity of the industry.”
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