Australia’s food supply chain – from meat packing and food handling to wholesale warehouses and fresh produce markets – plays a critical role in feeding the nation. Yet, labour shortages across this sector have made it increasingly difficult for businesses to maintain production levels, meet delivery schedules, and stay competitive.
The Australian Food & Grocery Council reports that the food and grocery manufacturing sector grew its turnover by 11% in 2022-23, employing over 281,000 workers. Meanwhile, the processed meat market alone is forecasted to have a projected 5.3% annual growth rate out to 2034. Furthermore, the red meat sector has shown an increase of over 50,000 positions since 2022 and the broader food processing market is expected to grow by 5.4% by 2033.
This rapid expansion has placed mounting pressure on labour supply. With domestic workforce pipelines unable to keep up with demand, strategic use of Australia’s skilled and temporary migration programs can provide practical solutions to fill critical workforce shortages and support continued industry growth.
Here are key migration pathways businesses in food handling, meat processing, wholesale distribution, and fresh food markets should consider.
1. Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
The 482 visa is a workhouse solution for businesses needing to fill skilled positions.
Approved sponsors can nominate workers for up to four years, with visa holders eligible to bring family members and eventually transition to permanent residency with employer support.
Tip: Even if the occupation isn’t on the ‘Core Skills Occupation List’, you may still be able to sponsor a worker in that occupation under the ‘Specialist Skills’ stream – specific requirements need to be met so you are encouraged to reach out for immigration law advice and tailored visa solutions.
2. Designated Area Migration Agreements
If your business operates in a DAMA-approved region (such as Far North Queensland or the Northern Territory), then you may be able to access more flexible sponsorship requirements – including English language concessions and lower salary thresholds.
There are currently 13 DAMAs in place addressing the unique economic and labour market conditions of different regions.
DAMAs are especially relevant for meat processing employers, which often require a consistent stream of workers for physically demanding roles that struggle to attract local labour.
Example: The Northern Territory DAMA includes occupations such as ‘Meat Boner and Slicer’ and ‘Meat Process Worker’, offering a streamlined path to sponsoring these workers under certain concessions.
3. Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)
The 186 visa allows employers to retain experienced staff on a long-term basis, and provides an attractive incentive for high-performing temporary visa holders who have proven themselves on the job.
Ensuring a clear migration pathway for 482 visa holders, via the 186 visa framework, can boost staff retention and reduce training costs.
4. Working Holiday Makers
While not a long-term solution, Working Holiday Makers remain a valuable supplementary workforce for peak demand periods such as harvest season or holiday trade spikes.
Working Holiday Makers are young travellers who hold one of the following visas:
- Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417); or
- Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462).
Whilst Working Holiday Makers can usually only work for the same employer for up to six months, exemptions are available for visa holders who work across different locations or within certain industries.
Note: It’s important to monitor visa conditions carefully to remain compliant with immigration laws.
Next Steps
With mounting pressure to fill operational gaps and stay compliant, employers must act strategically.
If your business is struggling to find reliable staff – whether on the floor, in the cold room, or behind the wheel – migration may be the missing ingredient.
The Mullins Migration team specialises in helping businesses navigate Australia’s complex migration system with clarity and confidence. We work with clients across the food and agribusiness sector to design workforce strategies that are practical, compliant, and future-focused.
Engaging early with an immigration law expert can help businesses unlock new workforce solutions.
