Harvest Trail Talk

AgMove

Posted on by Harvest Trail Information Service

AgMoves with the times to benefit growers

Working in the agricultural sector has become even more accessible with the recent launch of AgMove. 

Under recent changes to the relocation assistance scheme, incentives have become more attractive to job seekers. Frankly, there’s never been a better time to find employment or transition into the agricultural industry.  

From 5 May 2021, the current initial eligibility period for reimbursement has been reduced from six weeks to two, making it easier for workers to access financial assistance to assist with the cost of moving to regional areas.

AgMove successfully enticed many workers to regional Australia during 2020/21. The new changes are designed to make agricultural work even more attractive and accessible to workers who can relocate, particularly students on university break, visa holders or Australian residents.

HOW DOES AGMOVE WORK?

If an Australian jobseeker moves to a regional area to take up short-term agricultural work, they could be eligible for reimbursement of up to $6,000 to assist with travel costs, accommodation, and essential work clothing. Temporary visa holders can also access reimbursements for expenses of up to $2000.

Australians could receive up to $6000 reimbursed.

  • Eligible for up to $2000 after completing 40 hours of work in at least two weeks.
  • Up to a further $4000 after completing 120 hours of work in at least four weeks.

Temporary visa holders with general working rights could receive up to $2000 reimbursed 

  • Eligible for up to $650 reimbursed after completing 40 hours of work in at least two weeks.
  • Up to a further $1350 reimbursed after completing 120 hours of work in at least four weeks.

If the Australian Job Seeker had relocated and started an agricultural job, including harvest work between

1 November 2020 and 4 May 2021, they must have completed at least 120 hours of work in at least six weeks to be eligible for reimbursement under the previous relocation assistance incentive.

WHAT WORK QUALIFIES FOR AGMOVE?

Work activities performed under the following categories qualify for the AgMove initiative.

  • Production of harvest crops, including picking and pollinating
  • Planting and preparation for the planting of harvest crops, including clearing and trenching
  • Propagation of harvest crops, including growing new plants from seeds
  • Packing shed operations
  • Local and immediate harvest crop processing within a Harvest Area
  • Local storage and local transportation of Harvest Crops
  • Manufacturing dairy produce from raw material
  • Immediate processing of animal products, including shearing, butchery, packing and tanning
  • Livestock labouring: feeding, breeding, and raising livestock

Work eligible for the AgMove can be found on the Harvest Trail website. If you would like to list eligible work on the Harvest Trail website please contact your local Harvest Trail Services provider

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR AGMOVE?

  • An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or a visa holder with approval to work in Australia (including working holidaymakers and international students), and;
  • They must be at least 17-years of age; If they are 17 years of age, have they graduated from Year 12, and;
  • Have they relocated at least 90 minutes from their current place of residence to a regional, remote or Harvest Area.

HOW DO WORKERS APPLY FOR AGMOVE 

  1. Register with Harvest Trail Services – See the local Harvest Trail Services provider
  2. Confirm your eligibility 
  3. The worker creates their agreement – See the local harvest office
  4. They complete the eligible work
  5. Lodge their reimbursement request – See the local harvest office

If you or an employee have any general inquiries about AgMove, call the National Customer Service Line on 1800 805 260. 

People looking for work who are interested in Harvest work can find job opportunities at https://jobsearch.gov.au/harvest/search

People looking for non-harvest jobs in agriculture (such as working with livestock or on dairy farms) or harvesting jobs outside Harvest Areas can call the Harvest Trail Information Service on 1800 062 332 for assistance.

FOR MORE INFORMATION 

Go to https://jobsearch.gov.au/harvest/workers/relocation-assistance

Harvest Trail Information Service