Freshstate voices Horticulture Award worry

In a statement last month, Freshstate said among changes implemented by Australia's Fairwork Commission, the addition of overtime rates for casual workers will significantly raise costs and will mean the loss of many Australian grower's businesses.

"Growers of fruit and vegetables are shaken by the decision to institute these changes, as they will struggle to implement Fairwork's ruling in a way that doesn't financially cripple their business and still allows enough hours for casual workers to make seasonal work appealing," the statement said.

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"Australian growers are committed to paying their casual staff a fair wage for their work, but with businesses being dragged under by these new costs the question arises of whether this is truly fair.

"Because growers do not set the price of fruit and vegetables themselves, they can see that these increased costs will be insurmountable and will cause their viable horticultural businesses to go under."

Freshstate said it was a "harsh truth" that Horticulture Award changes will cause regions to be ruined.

"When farms close as a result of no longer having a viable future, the effects will flow-on to the entire supply chain - small and large businesses alike will suffer and likely fold as a consequence," it said.

"With less produce being grown, the businesses that export Australian produce will also suffer as they will become uncompetitive in the global market, and everyday Australian consumers will be hurt by the increased cost of fresh produce and a lack of Australian grown fruit and veg on our own shelves.

"Most growers have so much to contend with in their day-to-day that they can find it hard to pull themselves away to fight for what is important to them, but that is not the case this time."

Freshstate urged the Australian government to address the problems the new requirements have caused, and partner with growers to work through issues.