15 Oct 2026
Workforce shortages remain one of the biggest constraints on Queensland agriculture, and recent Federal Government changes to Working Holiday Maker (WHM), or backpacker, visas have exacerbated this challenge. From horticulture and cropping to livestock and processing, farmers need reliable access to workers when seasonal demand peaks. The WHM program has supplied this vital workforce, and without it, productivity, business viability and regional supply chains are put at risk.
Agriculture is working directly with the Department of Home Affairs to resolve this issue temporarily, but it does not undo the damage caused by cutting access to this critical regional workforce or by the government’s artificial slowdown in visa processing, with timelines blowing out to multiple months for what was previously a near-automatic system.
But the government’s visa reform agenda is the more significant concern for farmers and industry, with the reduction of second and third-year WHM visa places and the introduction of a ballot system set to weaken the labour supply farmers rely on to harvest crops, maintain production and keep food and fibre moving.
We understand that migration is an emotive issue, however agriculture cannot be the unintended consequence of emotional politics. QFF is calling for Working Holiday Makers, skilled migration, the PALM Scheme and any future agricultural visa to operate as complementary pathways within a fit-for-purpose workforce system that supports farm viability, food security and business confidence.
QFF will continues to work with other agricultural peak bodies for a workable fix to migration settings, and in the meantime will continue to support Queensland farmers and agribusinesses facing workforce challenges with a range of programs and initiatives.
Firstly, the Industry Workforce Advisor program, provides employers with practical help to identify labour gaps, plan recruitment and retention strategies, and connect them with training, funding and services.
SmartAg Queensland, which was recently recognised as a finalist at the Queensland Training Awards, supports farmers to access training across safety, business, technology and production, helping businesses build capability where it is needed most. And finally, the Agricultural Extension Work Placement Program, and the Industry Skills and Jobs Advisor Program are also strengthening career pathways and connecting new talent with real opportunities in agriculture.
There is no single policy, program or visa stream that will solve agriculture’s workforce pressures. What is needed now is a coordinated, practical and long-term approach across industry, government and education that gives farmers and agribusinesses the people, skills and confidence to keep producing. Without that commitment, workforce shortages will remain more than a business challenge, they will become a constraint on Queensland’s food security, regional growth and agricultural future.
Farmers and agribusinesses can learn more about QFF’s workforce projects and free services at qff.org.au/priority/workforce.