Labour Shortages Threaten Rural Productivity

The National Farmers’ Federation says regional worker shortages are threatening the productivity and long-term sustainability of Australian agriculture, with a new report warning that workforce gaps must be urgently addressed to secure the sector’s future.

Michael Pyers, the NFF’s General Manager of Workplace Relations and Legal Affairs, said “agriculture faces persistent and acute workforce pressures that must be addressed if the sector is to remain strong, viable and productive.” He said farm businesses were struggling to fill both skilled and unskilled roles, particularly in seasonal industries like horticulture.

“These shortages are dragging down productivity rates, increasing costs for farm businesses, and ultimately, hampering food supply chains,” Mr Pyers said.

The findings form part of the Jobs and Skills Roadmap for Regional Australia – Phase 1 Report.

Mr Pyers said the NFF supported the roadmap’s goals but warned that “the unique needs of agriculture must be explicitly embedded in Phase 2.”

The report identifies five major issues: persistent labour shortages, skills and training gaps, barriers to workforce participation, visa complexity, and the need to make agricultural careers more attractive.

The NFF says targeted workforce reform would align with national strategies including the Net Zero Transition and Future Made in Australia policies, ensuring the agricultural sector remains productive and globally competitive.