Fruit Growers Victoria is urging people to help out during the harvest in a last-ditch attempt to fill vacant fruit picker positions, most of which are still open in the Goulburn Valley. Crop losses across Australia, directly caused by ongoing labour shortages, have continued to mount; as of January 8, they have topped $38 million. Fresh Produce Group reported losses to its Queensland blueberry operations of just under $3 million. Executive director Anthony Poiner said despite the group’s best efforts it was left short by 150 harvest staff: “I conservatively estimate that we left over 400 tonnes of blueberries out in the field.” Pinnacle Hill Lychees outside Ingham, in northern Queensland, was only able to recruit two seasonal workers for its harvest, resulting in the loss of about half the crop, conservatively worth $500,000. The farm normally employs upwards of 20 backpackers and 12 contractors. With the failures of the earlier harvests, specifically in Queensland, hanging like a harbinger of doom over Victorian crops, Fruit Growers Victoria is desperate for people to relocate and take on harvest work where it's needed. FGV's growers’ service manager Michael Crisera said the repercussions of not having enough workers would not only impact farmer incomes, but supermarket prices. “No experience is needed to work on the Harvest Trial and there are different jobs across the season such as fruit picking, packing, thinning and pruning,” Crisera said. “It is a great opportunity to experience regional Victoria, try new things, learn some new skills and meet new people.” Source - https://www.freshplaza.com