EMPLOYER News

The value of international candidates in hard-to-fill ag roles

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Australia’s agricultural sector is dynamic and growing, but it’s no secret that many businesses face chronic challenges when it comes to finding skilled staff.

From horticulture and livestock to supply chain and agritech, certain roles are consistently harder to fill due to location, skill level or seasonality. That’s where international candidates play a vital role. By looking beyond domestic borders, agribusinesses can access qualified professionals who bring expertise and a willingness to relocate to regional Australia on a long-term basis.

The reality of hard-to-fill positions in agriculture

Across Australian agriculture, some positions are typically difficult to recruit for. These include:

  • Irrigation specialists and farm managers in broadacre cropping
  • Mechanics, fitters and technicians for machinery-intensive operations
  • Livestock managers, feedlot staff and skilled meat processing roles
  • Nursery, post-harvest and compliance managers in horticulture
  • Specialist agronomists across cotton and grains.

Often these roles require technical knowledge, hands-on experience and the flexibility to live and work in regional or remote areas. Local supply of the required skills for these positions simply doesn’t meet the demand – leaving critical gaps in daily operations and long-term growth.

How international recruitment makes a difference

International recruitment isn’t just about filling a vacancy – it’s about building capability. Skilled candidates from overseas can provide:

  • Specialist expertise
  • Long-term stability
  • Global perspectives that support innovation and knowledge transfer
  • Regional commitment, with many global candidates embracing the opportunity to settle and contribute to Australian communities.

At Global People Solutions, we see firsthand how international hires can transform agribusinesses.

Global People Solution’s approach to skilled migration

With in-house skilled migration specialists and a large global candidate pool, Global People Solutions provide end-to-end support for agribusinesses exploring international options. Our process includes:

  • Workforce planning and visa eligibility advice
  • Sourcing and vetting international candidates
  • Visa application preparation and compliance
  • Relocation support and settlement assistance
  • Ongoing engagement to ensure successful placements.

This level of service ensures that businesses not only find the right people for the right roles, but also sets them up for success in Australia – reducing risk and maximising return on your investment.

Building stronger, more resilient teams with Global People Solutions

International candidates are an essential piece of the agricultural workforce in Australia. For businesses facing persistent skill shortages, tapping into global talent can help to drive real growth despite local skill-shortages. At Global People Solutions, we’re committed to connecting agribusinesses with the right people to help build stronger, more resilient teams across the sector.