Australians urged to backpack in their own backyards and stop fruit going to rot

A Queensland strawberry grower is calling on Australians to "pick for their country" in a bid to stop fruit going to rot amid the labour shortage. Key points: The horticulture industry warns of a looming labour shortage Growers say the problem will get worse next year after working holidaymakers return home Strawberry grower Di West is appealing to Australians' sense of patriotism to fill farm jobs Bells Creek farmer Di West, of Suncoast Harvest, says food prices are likely to rise — a concern shared by the National Farmers' Federation and peak body AusVeg. Solutions sought COVID-19 is challenging the country's $14.4 billion dollar horticulture industry which has traditionally relied on working holiday makers to help get fruit and vegetables off the farm. The NFF has outlined a 10 point plan to governments, wanting: an extension of the seasonal workers pilot program; incentives for domestic displaced workers; an introduction of an agricultural workforce code; the promotion of opportunities to work in agriculture; accommodation support; a national agricultural workforce development network; national labour hire regulation; a restart of the working holidaymakers program; the introduction of an agriculture visa; and the inclusion of additional occupations in the horticulture industry labour agreement.