More certainty for growers with Government changes to immigration

About 11-thousand people whose working holiday visas expire soon - will automatically get visas to work in horticulture and viticulture.

And workers stranded here will also be able to re-enter the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme -- if they have a visa for other work.

Apples and Pears Chief Executive, Alan Pollard, says it's come at the right time.

He says critical periods are coming up for the summer fruit industry, with apples ready for harvest in February and March.