The people who do the work.
WHAT PATTERNS EXIST
Permanent staff Seasonal and casual labour Family labour Contracted operations
WHAT MAKES IT DIFFICULT
Demand concentrated at planting and harvest Availability competing with other farms Physical work Payment expectations
WHAT TO PLAN
Labour requirement by period, before the season.
WHY
Labour unavailable at harvest costs the crop.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Rates, in advance How work is measured When payment occurs
WHY MEASURING MATTERS
Payment by area or task rather than by day changes productivity substantially.
WHAT TO BE CLEAR ABOUT
What constitutes completed work.
WHY
Disputes arise from its absence.
WHAT TO RECORD
Days worked, by person, and payments made.
WHAT OBLIGATIONS APPLY
Employment obligations, for anyone genuinely employed.
WHY THAT NEEDS SAYING
Agricultural employment is frequently informal, and obligations still apply.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT SAFETY
Handling of chemicals Protective equipment Machinery operation Water and shade
WHY CHEMICALS SPECIFICALLY
Improper handling causes serious harm, and it is common.
WHAT TO PROVIDE
Protective equipment, and training in its use.
WHAT TO NEVER DO
Have untrained people apply chemicals Allow application without protection
WHAT FAMILY LABOUR REQUIRES
Recognition that it has a cost.
WHY
Excluding it makes the enterprise appear more profitable than it is.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT CHILDREN
That they are not doing work that harms them or prevents schooling.
