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Agriculture and horticulture recruitment for Australian employers

CrossNation recruits permanent and contract staff for farms, packhouses and horticulture businesses across Australia, including machinery operators, supervisors and farm managers. It is a direct recruitment service. Seasonal harvest supply often runs through licensed labour hire providers or Pacific scheme approved employers, which are separate arrangements.

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By CrossNation Editorial Team. Sources checked 4 October 2026.

Official data

Key facts from official sources

Roles we recruit

What we recruit

  • Farm hands and machinery operators
  • Packhouse and processing staff
  • Horticulture supervisors and team leaders
  • Farm, orchard and herd managers
What employers ask

What to know before you start

Which arrangement fits your workforce?

Peak harvest staffing and year-round roles need different arrangements. A grower who needs a supervisor, an operator or a manager for 12 months or more is a good fit for direct recruitment, where the worker becomes your employee. A grower who needs dozens of pickers for six weeks is looking at supply through a licensed provider or an approved scheme employer. We are honest about which one we are, so you do not pay for the wrong service.

What are the licensing rules for supply?

In Victoria, labour hire providers must hold a licence and anyone using their services must only use licensed providers, and the Labour Hire Authority publishes horticulture guidance for both. South Australia began licensing in five industries including horticulture processing and now covers all industries. If you use a supplier for seasonal work, check its licence on the regulator's register before you sign.

What is the Pacific scheme?

The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme lets approved employers recruit workers from Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste. The OECD lists agriculture, meat processing, tourism and aged care among the sectors. Home Affairs lists a 4-year visa period for workers on a long-term work contract. Approval, participation and responsibilities sit with you and the government agencies, not with CrossNation.

Can you place overseas workers directly?

For year-round roles we can source sponsorship-ready overseas candidates where the role, skills and your own approval line up. Agricultural roles vary a great deal in what the visa pathways allow, so start with our Pacific and seasonal worker guide and a registered migration agent.

Tell us the role, location and start date

The fee is 12% of the candidate's annual salary, charged only when a placement succeeds.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Do you supply seasonal pickers?

No. CrossNation places permanent and contract staff who become your employees. Seasonal supply runs through licensed providers or approved scheme employers.

Which award covers horticulture work?

Often the Horticulture Award 2020 [MA000028], and the Pastoral Award for some livestock work, unless an enterprise agreement applies.

Do you recruit for regional areas?

Yes. Farms are mostly regional, so tell us the distance to the nearest town and whether housing is provided.

What does agriculture recruitment cost?

Our fee is 12% of the candidate's annual salary and applies only if a placement succeeds, and each placement carries a 90-day placement guarantee. Wages, superannuation, any accommodation you provide and machinery inductions are separate costs for you.

Can CrossNation sponsor overseas farm workers?

No. The employer sponsors or joins an approved scheme. Seasonal work often runs through scheme employers, and a registered migration agent explains the options. This is general information, not migration advice. Speak to a registered migration agent.

Related

Sources (accessed 4 October 2026)