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Tasmanian Farmer article - September 2026
Fruit Growers Tasmania | Monday, 7 September 2026, 7.00am
With spring just around the corner, the quieter winter period provides an important opportunity for Tasmanian fruit growers to progress pruning programs, complete maintenance projects and prepare for the busy growing season ahead.
Many of our larger growers are also looking forward to the return of their Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) workers, who play a major role in many farms across Tasmania.
The fruit growing industry in Tasmania employs up to 10,000 people each season. As a small island State, it would not be possible to grow and harvest the amount of fruit we currently do without our valuable PALM workers. Numerous Tasmanian businesses have been able to expand over the years due to this reliable workforce.
Many workers return to the same employer year after year gaining valuable skills and confidence. The benefits to employers cannot be underestimated in terms of efficiency and continuity. Repeat season workers can hit the ground running, with many returning to senior and supervisory roles.
Just as importantly the workers are able to support family, friends and communities in their home countries. Through the PALM program, workers build skills, earn income and open new opportunities for their future.
They also play an important role in the local communities within Tasmania, with ten Timor-Leste seasonal workers based at Pinata’s Orielton farm proudly joining the ANZAC Day march in Hobart last season to honour the friendship that Timor Leste has with Australia. Meanwhile, a group of Samoans employed by Costa Group volunteered to help clean the Port Sorell Surf Life Saving Club house. Many also participate in local sports competitions with a team from Burlington Berries playing a friendly match organised by Launceston United SC.
In Tasmania the PALM program is strong and valuable, providing a win-win situation for both Tasmania and the areas the workers come from.
Another major milestone to highlight in recent months was the official launch of strawberry propagator, and Fruit Growers Tasmania member, JCLM Farming’s Stage 4 misted tip facility expansion at Ouse.
This development will double the JCLM Farming workforce to some 110 people in peak periods and has doubled their annual plug plant capacity to five million, providing a year round supply of strawberry plants to growers nationally.
Congratulations Jack, Lisa and the team at JCLM.
View the Tasmanian Farmer newspaper.
