Tasmanian rain moves backpackers south early
Flooding and severe fruit crop losses have luckily brought laborers down south early this year, alleviating some of the labor drought farmers feared.
“The weather has been a blessing in disguise in some ways. The rain has pushed the backpackers down to Tasmania faster this year.” Fruit Growers Tasmania business development manager, Phil Pyke, said.
It is all go on farms and orchards across the state as late fruit crops ripen, the smaller pool of workers is shared around, and growers count the cost of unseasonally heavy summer rain.
While backpackers may be prevalent and filling demand this year, Pyke is still unsure about next years turnout. “We are still worried because many of the workers we have secured this season were already in Australia when the backpacker decision was announced. Will they come back next year? That is the great unknown.”
source: adelaidenow.com.au
