In 2022, Emori Seru Rokoniu spent nine months picking tomatoes and cucumbers at a farm near Adelaide, South Australia.
He joined the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme to support his family and found the days long and often difficult.
For him, a typical workday would start at 7am working inside a hydroponic greenhouse, with set times throughout the day for breaks and lunch.
“During the shift, we have 15 minutes for a break and 30 minutes for lunch. We start early and need to be there 15 minutes before [our shift starts],” he said.
As well as structured times, working in horticulture can also be physically demanding or repetitive.
“At my work we have to prune the tomatoes and cucumbers. We were working in a glass house and everything is done using a machine – you have to remove the leaves and shoots, pollenate the tomatoes.”
Many Fijians are joining the PALM scheme to gain new skills and to support their families, however they need to be prepared for hard work, homesickness and a different way of life.
“For those who are willing to work hard, the PALM scheme is more than just a chance to earn a good income. It’s also a way to pick up new skills, both technical and soft skills, such as budgeting, computer skills, workplace safety and communication,” said Employment Permanent Secretary, Mr Maritino Nemani.
These skills can be used when workers return home to Fiji and can help boost local economies as they apply them to their own businesses or workplaces.
“I came back to Fiji and planted some cucumber and it’s different planting cucumber. The first thing I noticed is the size is bigger here in Fiji,” Emori said
“In Australia you plant on the hydroponic line which distributes the water to the plants, but in Fiji we have to plant in the ground and water ourselves.
There are roles for both men and women in horticulture and agriculture in Australia, including planting and maintaining crops, operating machines, picking fruit and vegetables, loading produce on to trucks, building trellises and sorting produce ready for export.
Some agriculture and horticulture work can be hard on your body, and the job may include heavy lifting, bending, and walking long distances.
There are many different fruit and vegetable crops grown in Australia, on both small and large-scale commercial farms.
“The PALM scheme provides workers with the opportunity to earn money, learn new skills, gain qualifications, make new friends, and experience the Australian way of life. However, you will have to decide if this program is right for you,” said PS Nemani.
“I decided to move to Australia for work to help my family, extending my house, helping my brothers and sisters with their education.”
“If I go back to Australia my goal is to get a family car and lease some land nearby to plant sugar cane.”
