If you are from Africa or any country where life is hard and you are looking for an opportunity to move abroad, working as a farm worker or fruit picker in Australia or New Zealand could be one of your best options.
Farm work is simple, honest, and available in large numbers. Australia and New Zealand are two of the world’s biggest producers of fruits, vegetables, and other farm products. Every year, they need thousands of workers to pick fruits like apples, grapes, berries, oranges, bananas, and vegetables like tomatoes and lettuce.
Local citizens do not like farm work because it is physically hard and usually temporary. That is why farmers rely heavily on foreign workers to help during the harvest seasons.
In this guide, I will explain what the work is like, how much you can earn, visa types, where to apply, and how you can succeed even if you have no prior farming experience.
What is the Work Like?
Farm work is mainly manual labor (using your hands and body). The main duties you will perform include:
- Picking fruits from trees, vines, or bushes
- Harvesting vegetables from the ground
- Packing fruits and vegetables into boxes
- Sorting fruits according to size and quality
- Watering plants
- Carrying baskets, crates, or boxes
- Loading products onto trucks
- Cleaning farm tools and equipment
It is not a technical job. Anyone with basic strength and willingness to work outdoors can do it.
Farm jobs are usually seasonal. They are most available during spring and summer (between September to March in Australia and October to April in New Zealand).
Why Australia and New Zealand Need Farm Workers
Both countries depend on agriculture for local food and export. Without enough workers during the harvest seasons, farmers lose millions of dollars.
However, farming work is tough and in remote areas. Many citizens prefer office or city jobs. So, farms welcome foreign workers and sometimes even sponsor visas for those who are hardworking.
How Much Can You Earn?
Farm work pays reasonably well, especially for simple, no-experience jobs. Here’s what you can expect:
Australia
- The average wage is about AUD 23 – 27 per hour.
- Some farms pay piece rates — you are paid based on how many fruits you pick or boxes you fill.
- Working full time (about 38–40 hours per week), you can earn between AUD 800 – AUD 1,200 per week.
- Overtime and weekend work can pay even higher.
New Zealand
- The average wage is about NZD 22 – 25 per hour.
- You can earn around NZD 880 – NZD 1,000 per week with full-time work.
- Like Australia, some jobs offer piece rates.
Even though farm work can be tiring, many workers save a lot of money because the cost of living in rural areas is lower compared to cities.
Requirements to Work as a Farm Worker
The general requirements are simple:
- Age: Must be 18 years or older
- Fitness: Must be physically fit and able to work long hours outdoors
- English: Basic English for safety instructions (not perfect English)
- Experience: No experience needed (training is usually provided)
- Work Visa: You must have a visa that allows you to work
Some employers might also prefer workers with a driver’s license (to drive tractors or trucks) but it’s not compulsory.
Visa Options for Farm Workers
Both Australia and New Zealand offer visa options for farm jobs.
Australia
1. Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme
- This program allows workers from selected countries (including some African nations) to work for up to 4 years.
- Some jobs under PALM provide free accommodation and airfare.
2. Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417/462)
- If your country is eligible, you can travel, work, and stay up to 12 months.
- You must be aged 18–30 (sometimes 35).
3. Seasonal Worker Programme
- This program brings workers to Australia for up to 9 months to work in farms.
- It is mainly open to Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste, but Africans are being considered for future expansion.
New Zealand
1. Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme
- This program allows foreign workers to work on New Zealand farms for up to 7 months.
- Accommodation and transport are usually arranged by the employer.
2. Working Holiday Scheme
- Available for selected countries (mostly developed countries), but some Africans who have dual citizenship can benefit.
Note: If your country is not eligible for a working holiday visa, you can still get farm jobs through direct employer sponsorship.
How to Apply for Farm Worker Jobs
You can apply for farm jobs from your home country before traveling or after you arrive on a visitor visa and then transfer to a work visa.
Here’s how:
1. Use Online Job Portals
- Harvest Trail Australia (harvesttrail.gov.au)
- JobSearch Australia (jobsearch.gov.au)
- PickNZ (picknz.co.nz) for New Zealand
- Seasonal Jobs New Zealand (seasonaljobs.co.nz)
Use search terms like “farm work visa sponsorship”, “fruit picking jobs”, or “harvest jobs”.
2. Apply to Recruitment Agencies
- Agencies that connect farm workers to employers include:
- Madec Australia
- Agri Labour Australia
- AWX Agriculture
Register your interest and submit your CV.
3. Apply Directly to Farms
Some big farms advertise jobs on their websites. You can Google farms in places like:
- Victoria, Queensland, South Australia (Australia)
- Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough, Bay of Plenty (New Zealand)
Documents You Will Need
- Valid Passport
- CV/Resume (highlight your physical fitness and willingness to do manual labour)
- Visa application forms
- Health insurance (sometimes needed for visa approval)
- Proof of accommodation (sometimes the farm provides this)
Tips for Success
- Be ready to work long hours, sometimes in the sun or rain.
- Bring comfortable clothes, a sunhat, boots, and gloves.
- Follow all farm safety instructions carefully.
- Be flexible — sometimes you will be asked to do different types of farm work.
- Save money by staying in farm-provided accommodation if available.
- Build good relationships with your employers; they may offer you longer contracts.
Pros and Cons of Farm Work
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy entry (no experience needed) | Physically tiring |
| Good pay for low-skill work | Seasonal jobs (not always available year-round) |
| Opportunity to travel and work abroad | Can be lonely in remote areas |
| Chance to move to long-term visas | Weather conditions can be tough |
Conclusion
Farm work and fruit picking in Australia and New Zealand offer a realistic, achievable path for hardworking people from Africa and other developing countries to start a better life abroad.
You don’t need education, experience, or professional skills — just strength, honesty, and readiness to work hard. With proper planning and a strong will, you can earn good money, support your family, and even build a future overseas.
Take the first step today. Opportunity favours the bold!
