The agribusiness industry continues to experience labour shortages which is significantly impacting and restricting the capacity of the industry. Three-quarters of Australia’s meat processers are currently operating at 80% or less capacity as a result of the labour shortages and lack of stock.

The Victorian Government has recognised these issues and has created the following grants to assist the industry:

1. Summer Seasonal Harvest Sign-on Bonus
2. AgMove Relocation Assistance.

Summer Seasonal Harvest Sign-on Bonus

The Summer Seasonal Harvest Sign-on Bonus provides an incentive to new workers in the agriculture industry through a sign-on bonus of $2,430 per worker for 40 days of work.

The days of work must be undertaken on or after 1 November 2021. The cash bonus will be provided to eligible applicants in two instalments.

After undertaking 10 days of work, eligible workers can apply for the first instalment of $810. To apply for the remainder $1,620, eligible workers must undertake, and submit evidence of having undertaken, an additional 30 days of work within 90 days of the first instalment being approved.

The program is currently open and will close on 31 December 2021, or earlier if funds are exhausted. The Summer Seasonal Harvest Sign-on Bonus applies to horticulture work such as harvesting vegetables or fruits.

For full eligibility criteria, and to apply, click here:

AgMove Relocation Assistance

AgMove Relocation Assistance is an Australian Government initiative that helps with costs for eligible applicants who relocate to take up short term agricultural work, including harvest work in Australia. This includes costs associated with travel and accommodation.

Applicants can claim up to a total of $6,000 in reimbursement for relocation costs:

• up to $2,000 of eligible costs can be claimed after completing at least 40 hours of agricultural work over at least two weeks
• and up to a further $4,000 after completing a total of at least 120 hours of work in a minimum four week period.

Temporary visa holders with general working rights, like working holiday makers and some international students, can claim up to a total of $2,000:

• up to $650 of eligible relocation costs can be claimed after completing at least 40 hours of work in at least two weeks,
• and up to a further $1,350 of relocation costs can be claimed after completing a total of at least 120 hours of work in at least four weeks.

To be eligible you must:

• be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• have a right to work in Australia (including Working Holiday Makers and international students)
• be at least 18 years of age, or if you are relocating to take up a job after 5 May 2021 and have graduated from Year 12, 17-years of age
• relocate within Australia to a regional, remote or Harvest Area that is at least 90 minutes from your current place of residence
• have relocated and began work by 30 June 2022
• take up a short term agricultural work including harvest work that is confirmed by a Harvest Trail Services provider or the Harvest Trail Information Service.

For full eligibility criteria and information on how to apply, click here:

If you have any questions regarding either of the above grants, contact Michael Trimble on 03 5443 0344 or email afs@afsbendigo.com.au