ISF led a research project that investigated the crucial role Pacific workers play in Australia’s agricultural industries. The study found Australia’s seasonal worker schemes boost food security in Australia and across the Pacific region.
The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) commissioned the study in 2021 and funded research to identify the barriers and enablers of agricultural knowledge and skills exchange between Pacific Island and Australian farmers who participate in the Australian Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP).
ISF's research team interviewed 63 Pacific workers and four Australian employers to produce a report highlighting existing opportunities to enhance the development of Pacific workers during their time in Australia, and detailing how the SWP will be vital to the socio-economic recovery of the Pacific region from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Research data and case studies from the study support the following key points:
- Pacific workers on small farms learn incidentally from working with Australian farmers and 46% of those interviewed had applied this learning in the Pacific.
- Pacific workers come to Australia multiple times (‘circular migration’). 60% come at least twice. They build their knowledge and skills each time, and between trips they invest money in and apply their new knowledge and skills to their farming practices at home.
- Many methods of farming are transferable to Pacific crops.
- Pacific workers want to learn about Australian farming practices. 70% of workers surveyed said they found Australian farming practices, from irrigation methods to packaging of produce, interesting.
- Training focused on agricultural skills can benefit both the Australian employer and the Pacific worker.
- Subtle adjustments to circular migration policy can support Pacific workers’ connection to their agricultural land and support agricultural development.
This research gives recommendations for the effective delivery of the Australian Government's renewed Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme, due to be released in April 2022.
RESEARCH OUTPUTS
Researchers
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Research Director -
Associate Professor & Research Director
Years
- 2021-2022
