Results of the Growcom labour demand survey
During the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, labour markets in Queensland faced several challenges, due to the shut-down of service sectors and restrictions on movement, to limit the spread of the disease. Horticulture being a labour intensive industry within agriculture, entering its peak season at the time of restrictions, required a greater understanding of labour requirements by region and though time, to ensure workforce availability, sector viability and the provision of food.
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries with Growcom undertook a survey of Queensland horticulture enterprises to estimate seasonal labour demand for the six month period from April 2020 to September 2020. The purpose of this analysis is to provide an early and rapid study into the workforce requirements of the Queensland horticulture sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, this analysis seeks to identify the workforce hotspots, and attempts to quantify the number of roles needed to ensure food production.
Queensland Horticulture Labour Demand: Results of Growcom labour demand survey April 2020
Comprehensive Survey Map April – September 2020