Farmers are lashing a federal government decision to scrap a crucial program connecting them to workers. 

The Harvest Trail service allowed farmers to recruit backpackers on temporary working visas and Australian jobseekers to work in the fields during busy harvest periods. 

Industry bodies warn the cancellation would lead to more time and money spent on recruiting, while backpackers fear there may be a rise of exploitation. 

Rural Reporter Emily Minney spoke with Aus Pineapples managing Director Colin Hawken about how the loss of the program could affect the supply chain. 

Farmers are lashing a federal government decision to scrap a crucial program connecting them to workers. 
The Harvest Trail service allowed farmers to recruit backpackers on temporary working visas and Australian jobseekers to work in the fields during busy harvest periods. 
Industry bodies warn the cancellation would lead to more time and money spent on recruiting, while backpackers fear there may be a rise of exploitation. 
Rural Reporter Emily Minney spoke with Aus Pineapples managing Director Colin Hawken about how the loss of the program could affect the supply chain.

The Rural News

The Rural News is market leader, dealing exclusively with stories of interest to the farming sector and has the support of Australia’s largest media business and international correspondents.

The Rural News is market leader, dealing exclusively with stories of interest to the farming sector and has the support of Australia&rsquo;s largest media business and international correspondents.