Horticulture
“There are only three things holding Horticulture back in Australia, labour, labour, labour.”
Former Chair
Horticulture Australia Council
First IR has been assisting growers in the Horticulture Industry for many years. It has a broad client base ranging from Berry Growers through to Orchardists to boutique Organic Growers.First IR recognises the need for growers to have flexible employment arrangements in place for their operations.
In 2009 First IR successfully negotiated a series of agreements for both the Berry Growers and Orchardists, preserving specific award entitlements pre the commencement of the modern awards. With the implementation of the modern awards it was first thought the Horticulture Industry would lose the right to piece rate arrangements existing under their pre modern awards.
The National Farmers Federation (NFF), Horticulture Australia Ltd (HAL) with the assistance of First IR successfully retained piece rate provisions in the Horticulture Industry Award 2010 (see letter from IR Minister – Hon Julia Gillard re: Horticulture Awards).
Our horticulture industry page provides links to various relevant awards, publications, reference documents and other information pertinent to the Horticulture industry. It is intended as general interest information for First IR clients. These documents should not be relied upon as written advice. Should you require any employment relations advice please contact us directly.