Access to overseas workers to help during busy times on farm is becoming increasingly difficult.
Numbers of Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme workers have decreased by 11 per cent in recent months, while moves to allow workers from Vietnam have still not begun.
Changes have also been made to the requirements for backpackers coming from the United Kingdom.
As of July 1, 2024, those backpackers are no longer required to complete 88 days of specified rural or regional work in order to be eligible for a second of third working holiday visa.
A National Farmers Federation survey shows overseas workers can form up to one-third of the workforce in some cases.
It also shows farmers are considering leaving the industry if access to a workforce becomes even more difficult.
NFF president David Jochinke says the results "boil down" to fewer workers being available will potentially lead to a decrease in food and fibre production in the impacted commodities.
