The State Government will provide an additional $19.3-million to support Victoria’s horticultural industry workforce.

Jobseekers who take up seasonal work will now be eligible for bonuses of almost $2500, with the government providing more than $10-million to encourage jobseekers to give the work a go and boost workforces.

The government will provide the Seasonal Harvest Sign-on Bonus in two payments, with $810 paid after two weeks of work and a further $1620 paid after an additional six weeks of work.

To be eligible, workers need to complete at least 10 days’ work within a one-month period to receive the first bonus and at least another 30 days within a three-month period for the additional payment.

To maximise take-up of the sign-on bonus, industry groups that support growers in priority harvest regions will receive funding for additional staff and resources through a new $1-million Seasonal Workforce Industry Support grant program.

People seeking further details about how to apply for the sign-on bonus can visit website agriculture.vic.gov.au/bigharvest.