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.
In the Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Bundaberg…
-
General23 hours agoShark attack at Tathra Beach leaves 9yo surfer’s board in pieces
-
Noosa News23 hours agoUnborn baby boy fighting for life after 38-week pregnant woman and partner hit by racing P-platers on the Gold Coast
-
Noosa News23 hours agoTruck driver dies after vehicle smashes into Queensland retirement home
-
Noosa News10 hours agoQueensland government looks to increase Spanish mackerel catch limits