Wednesday, 26 January 2022 06:55

Quarantine on-farm?

Written by Sudesh Kissun

font size decrease font size increase font size

DairyNZ says it has suggested the Government take up the option of on-farm self isolation for migrant farm workers amid a lack of MIQ spaces at the border.

DairyNZ says it has put a number of suggestions to the Government about how the sector could manage labour needs and health risks caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

On-farm isolation is an option, says DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle.

"Farms are already away from communities, and farmers are used to maintaining good hygiene standards."

Alongside work to recruit international workers, DairyNZ has a range of initiatives underway to attract Kiwis into dairy, including GoDairy. A new campaign will also soon be launched to give Kiwis a better understanding of what it means to be a dairy farmer.

DairyNZ is also leading the development of a Dairy Workforce Resilience Plan which will involve farmers, dairy companies, sector groups and the Government in creating an evidence-based roadmap to put the sector on a sustainable path to recruit and retain people.

Salaries for people working on dairy farms have increased significantly over the past two years, and many roles offer accommodation on site.