General
Strawberry prices could rise as farmers reduce crops amid COVID-19 labour shortage
Farmers are slashing the size of strawberry crops or not planting at all out of fear fruit will rot on the ground amid a picker shortage that is expected to jack up prices at the supermarket.
Key points:
- About 7,000 people are needed to harvest Queensland’s strawberry crop this winter
- COVID-19 travel restrictions have resulted in a major shortfall of available labour
- Farmers are calling on students to consider working while studying online
Travel restrictions due to COVID-19 have meant a massive shortfall in farm labour, usually made up of working holidaymakers or backpackers.
They pick 80 per cent of fruit in Australia, Queensland Strawberry Growers Association president Adrian Schulz said.
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