FLOW NEWS FM | From strength to strength: Operation Grain Harvest Assist Eyes Future Expansion
A program connecting former Australian Defence Force personnel with grain growers facing harvest workforce shortages is preparing to expand into other agricultural industries, creating new employment opportunities for veterans and helping address ongoing labour challenges.
In an interview with FlowFM, Operation Grain Harvest Assist (OGHA) founder Lieutenant Colonel Garry Spencer AM reflected on the program's beginnings during the COVID-19 pandemic, when a partnership with Grain Producers Australia (GPA) helped connect around 300 veterans with grain growers in its first year.
Mr Spencer highlighted the valuable skills veterans bring to farming operations, including machinery experience, discipline, logistical planning and a strong commitment to safety.
The program is now preparing to operate as Veterans Supporting Agriculture from 2027, expanding its training and employment pathways beyond grain production to include sheep, cattle and cotton.
With harvest workforce shortages continuing to affect growers, GPA and OGHA are encouraging farmers seeking workers and veterans interested in agricultural employment to register through GPA's farm labour program at grainproducers.com.au/farm-labour.
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