Calling into farms unannounced – why it’s a ‘no-no’

Many people in search of work think it’s OK to just call into farms and ask.
It may have been an acceptable practice in the past but it’s a definite no-no in today’s world.

Why?

The answer is simple – biosecurity.

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Biosecurity refers to all the measures taken to minimise the risk of infectious diseases caused by viruses, bacteria or other microorganisms entering, emerging, establishing or spreading on farms, potentially harming the population, food security and the economy.

It only takes one dirty shoe to introduce infected soil and/or plant material onto a farm. 

As competition for work opportunities increases, generally, so does the practice of ‘cold-calling’ or ‘farm gate crashing’ – jobseekers entering properties without clearance looking for work.

Visitors may accidentally introduce disease or pests by their vehicle, equipment, clothing or footwear.

This practice is not condoned by the horticulture industry and is frowned upon.

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Many farms now have in place practices or bio-security management plans to prevent any foreign soil or plant material from entering onto the property.

Some of these include bio-security signage at the front gate, designated parking areas and footwear troughs.

If you are a jobseeker looking for horticulture work, do not breach biosecurity measures.

They are critically important to the future of Australia’s horticulture production.