On The Land
1 August, 2026
Study reveals ag workforce
AN analysis commissioned by a peak growers’ group of agricultural workers in the region has revealed that the sector relies upon a substantial international workforce.
FNQ Growers engaged consultants to estimate the size of Far North Queensland’s agricultural workforce and where they are being sourced from.
President Joe Moro said the findings highlighted the scale and complexity of labour supply across the region, reaching between 11,000-15,000 workers at any one time during the year.
“The report has been developed to provide industry with a clear, data-driven understanding of workforce trends across Far North Queensland’s agricultural sector,” he said.
“FNQ Growers commissioned the study to build a clearer evidence base on agricultural employment across the region and to provide estimates that can be used in advocacy, workforce planning and industry development.
“The primary objective was to quantify agricultural employment across the region and to identify the contributions made by key employment schemes, including the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, the Far North Queensland Designated Area Migration Agreement (FNQ DAMA) and the Working Holiday Maker visa program, and compare these to the local Australian workforce.”
In its executive summary, the report confirms a “significant reliance on international labour programs”, with more than 2,500 PALM workers, around 285 DAMA visa holders, and an estimated 5,600 working holiday makers contributing to the agricultural workforce.
At the same time, more than 2,400 Australian workers remained a smaller but important part of the sector, particularly within horticulture.
