Spreyton orchardist believes new picking platforms will help attract workers

Ayers Orchards grower Shane Weeks has purchased two harvest platforms at the cost of "a nice house in Devonport" to reduce the need for pickers to climb ladders and carry apples.

"All we are trying to do is secure workers," he said.

"It is easier on the workers because it is easier on your body, but you are working hard to keep up with the machine.

"The main thing is I am trying to do away with ladders or picking bags.

"It is the future of the industry. I can see a change in the industry over the next four to five years where people will be going this way."

He said the new technology moved away barrier that prevented people from taking up piece rate work.

"On piece rate they get sore after two to three days with a picking bag around their lower back, but if they stick with it then you come right and get used to it," Mr Weeks said.

Six people are required to work on each machine but on the second day of the harvest two workers chose not to turn up forcing them to fall behind.

"We had 12 people on an hourly rate and two people didn't turn up the next day, even when they were on an hourly rate.

"It is a little bit disappointing and when two people don't turn up it puts out the machine for the rest of the day.

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"I got these machines because I thought it would give me more security. It is an extra cost that has gone back onto me on the grower with no subsidies from the government."

Braddon MP Gavin Pearce said he had raised the issue with agricultural minister David Littleproud every week since the pandemic started and "would continue to advocate for our region's agriculture sector because I know its importance in our economic recovery".

However, Tasmanian Senator Anne Urqhart said the federal government's response has been pathetic.

"It shows a fundamental lack of understanding of the nature of seasonal work in Tasmania," Senator Urquhart said.

"Mr Pearce is clearly unable to comprehend the needs of local fruit-growers in particular. He has known for months that they need workers right now.

"Mr Pearce can't hide from the consequences of his hopeless inaction - fruit rotting on trees and farmers losing income. "Mr Pearce and Minister Littleproud are prepared to leave desperate fruit growers without workers. They have abandoned local farmers and left it too late to take meaningful action."

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