Vegetable Industry Warns of Deepening Workforce Crisis

Australia’s vegetable industry has warned that labour shortages are worsening across rural and regional areas, despite data suggesting an increase in backpacker arrivals.

AUSVEG’s latest 2025 Vegetable Industry Sentiment Report found more than 60 per cent of growers are facing workforce shortages - almost double the number a year ago.

AUSVEG General Manager of Public Affairs Lucy Gregg said the reality on the ground was deeply concerning.

“Workforce shortages are not easing, but actually worsening,” she said.

The report showed shortages across all job types, from harvest labour to skilled management and supervisory roles, which are vital to business operations.

Ms Gregg said the shortages threaten national food security and called for urgent government action.

“If the Government is legitimate about increasing productivity, the vegetable industry’s workforce crisis needs to be addressed,” she said.