A Government announcement that 200 dairy farm workers will be granted border exemptions to relieve pressure on the industry has been labelled a “token gesture” by farmers who say much more support is needed. Federated Farmers South Canterbury dairy chairman Ads Hendricks said the industry has been seriously understaffed since the border was closed to international workers because of Covid-19, with campaigns to attract New Zealanders to the industry bearing little fruit. READ MORE:* Federated Farmers says 200 overseas dairy worker visas not enough* Some relief for farmers as more border exceptions granted* Lack of foreign workers a 'disaster' for agriculture, farmers sayHendricks said that number is thousands short of what is needed. DOUG FIELD/STUFF Hendricks said efforts to bring more New Zealanders into the dairy industry haven’t been succesful. South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce chief executive Wendy Smith said the extension to the working holiday visa is “positive”.

Source: Stuff June 11, 2021 03:22 UTC