Biosecurity aside, most farmers will tell you the biggest challenge facing the primary sector is a shortage of good, qualified people.

Employers aren't paying enough attention to retaining the employees they have for the next season.

The Government has declared a seasonal labour shortage across Hawke’s Bay.

A permanent solution to the harvest labour shortage problem is needed for the apple industry, claims a sector spokesman.

Industry input is welcome as the government reviews the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) system this year. 

A 7,500 signature petition was presented to parliament last week calling for changes to NZ’s immigration laws.

The meat industry is short of about 2000 workers, a gap needing filling by much more than just signing up foreign workers.

The biggest barrier to youngsters choosing careers in agriculture is parents’ thinking that agriculture is “just a dumping ground.”

The ‘big thing’ in employing farm staff is to invest in them, says Dunsandel farmer Michael Woodward.

The best primary sector employers were named at the MPI AGMARDT Primary Industries Good Employer Awards.