2,000 Tasmanian harvest jobs ripe for the picking

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FRUIT harvest jobs in Tasmania are now ripe for the picking, says one of the state’s largest berry producers.

More than 2000 jobs across a six-month harvest season are up for grabs at Costa’s Wesley Vale operation with postions sought for supervisors, in crop maintenance, picking, packing, pest management, truck and forklift drivers, irrigation and general maintenance.

Blaine Astell started with Costa as a picker and is now a farm manager. Costa Strawberries. Picture: GRANT WELLS

“Anyone who is local and applies successfully will be given a go,” said Costa Tasmanian regional manager Cameron Folder.

Mr Folder says with strawberry season kicking off this week, an additional 69 workers have been put on with an additional 50 to begin next week.

“It’s going to take everything we’ve got to get the crop off, but we’re quietly confident we’ll pull it off,” he said. “But I can’t understate the size of the challenge and the difficulties we face.”

Minister for Primary Industries and Water Guy Barnett, Braddon Liberal MP Felix Ellis, farm manager Blaine Astell and Costa Tas Regional manager Cameron Folder tour Costa's Wesley Vale strawberry farm at the start of the harvesting season. Picture: GRANT WELLS

In August the State Government announced a $1.9 million campaign ‘Tassie Harvest Jobs: Take Your Pick’ to entice job-seeking Tasmanians to fill the estimated 9000 jobs needed by the fruit industry over the coming season. The program was supported by a Federal Government’s ‘Harvest Trail’.

While the uptake by locals has been high there remains a dearth in worker numbers, which the state government hopes will be filled by working holiday makers through the Seasonal Worker Program and visa holders through the Pacific Labour Scheme.

State minister for Primary Industries and Water, Guy Barnett says the fruit industry is Tasmania is a high-growth sector with berries accounting for half of all fruit production.

Ali Purton of Ulverstone on her third day on the job picking strawberries on Costa's Wesley Vale farm. Picture: GRANT WELLS

“There’s been double-digit growth over the past 4 to 5 years and the prognosis for continued growth is positive because of Tassie’s cool climate and access to water,” he said.

He said while the peak picking season is from December to March there are jobs now with more to come in the months ahead.

For those interested in securing harvest work this season, call the hotline on 1300 292 292.

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