Navigating the shifting landscape of Tasmania's farming workforce

The farming workforce landscape in Tasmania this season has been filled with changes and challenges, as is the nature of the industry. However, with every challenge comes an opportunity if we’re willing to look for it. Late last year, an initiative called the Farm Work Loop was soft launched, aiming to create an ecosystem around Tasmania where vetted partner farms and workers - both backpackers and locals - collaborate to share skilled workers with positive attitudes. The goal is to improve worker retention and reduce the need for retraining due to workers moving on or not fitting in.

A season of shifts

This season has seen an interesting twist. After last season, when backpackers largely skipped Tasmania due to high demand for farm work on the eastern side of mainland Australia, there has now been a significant return of these workers to our island. But while the abundance of backpackers initially seemed like a blessing, it soon revealed a more complex reality.

With more candidates than available jobs, backpackers found themselves in fierce competition, applying to multiple farms in hopes of securing work. This sudden influx led some farms to hire workers without rigorous vetting, reasoning that with so many options, what did they have to lose? However, this short-sighted approach has deeper repercussions.

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The hidden costs

While having an abundance of workers may feel like a safety net, it overlooks the long- term costs. Farms that forgo proper vetting and rely on the sheer number of available workers end up dealing with constant retraining and administrative overheads. This not only impacts their operational efficiency but also their reputation. Online communities and word-of-mouth can spread negative experiences, deterring good workers from applying in the first place.

Moreover, the cost of not focusing on long-term strategies becomes evident when considering the opportunity cost. Time spent on training, paperwork, and compliance could be better spent on farm operations and improving productivity.

The immediate sense of security from having a large pool of workers masks the underlying instability and inefficiency that comes with high turnover and poorly matched employees.

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A call for collaboration

Could we work better together to create a stronger industry for Tasmania? The answer is likely yes. By collaborating more closely, farms can accept candidates more thoughtfully, provide better experiences, and share resources efficiently. This collaborative approach could significantly enhance the quality of workers and reduce the need for constant retraining.

Imagine a future where farms and workers operate in partnership, seasons are planned proactively, and resources are shared almost seamlessly. This would not only lift the standards of our workforce but also create a more sustainable and profitable farming industry in Tasmania. Such a model could indeed make a substantial difference, especially in a market where major supermarket chains exert increasing pressure on farms, and particularly our small local farms. 

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Disrupting traditional frameworks

It’s time to disrupt the traditional labour frameworks and explore what a different approach might mean for our future. The Farm Work Loop is a step in this direction, creating a vetted ecosystem that benefits both workers and farms. By focusing on long- term relationships, quality of work, and community building, we can foster a more resilient and efficient farming industry.

The success of such initiatives hinges on their ability to balance immediate needs with long-term goals. While it’s essential to meet the demands of the current season, it’s equally important to build a framework that supports sustainable growth. This involves careful vetting of both workers and farms, ongoing training and support, and fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. 

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Looking Ahead

As we navigate this season and look ahead to the future, the lessons learned from the influx of backpackers and the challenges faced provide valuable insights. The farming industry in Tasmania has the potential to thrive if we embrace change and work collaboratively towards common goals. The Farm Work Loop represents a promising model for such collaboration, one that priorities quality, sustainability, and long-term success over short-term gains.

By continuing to innovate and push the boundaries of traditional farming labour practices, Tasmania can build a workforce that is not only more efficient but also more fulfilling for both workers and employers. It’s about creating an industry where everyone has a stake in the success of our farms and the quality of our produce. And in doing so, we can ensure that our island remains a vibrant, productive, and attractive place for both locals and backpackers alike.