WINES of the King Valley chair Dean Cleave-Smith has welcomed the State Government's recent announcement to provide $2500 cash bonuses to Victorian fruit pickers.

They can score cash bonuses up to nearly $2500 if they pick fruit for eight weeks.

The seasonal harvest sign-on bonus would be provided in two payments, with $810 paid after two weeks of work and a further $1620 paid after an additional six weeks of work.

The measure aims to help farmers, who are facing a drastic shortage of seasonal workers due to the closure of Australian borders.

Mr Cleave-Smith said the industry and the harvest significantly relies on working holiday visa holders and backpackers.

The decision to encourage local people to pick fruit is according to him “very important".

"This year represents a huge challenge for pickers, we need people to come and work for us in the King Valley, under our beautiful clear sky."

For Emma Germano, Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) president, there was a clear need for more Australians to work on farms.

"Often when people go to work on them they’re paid right and it’s a really enjoyable and rewarding experience," Ms Germano said.

“You’re not stuck in an office all day, you’re out working the land in some of Victoria’s most beautiful areas.”

Nathan Free, VFF horticulture president, was disappointed it took so long for action.

"The government finally came up with a solution for fruit farms to prevent the loss of more harvest, we have already lost $4 to $5 million in the state of Victoria because no seasonal worker came to pick fruits,” he said.

“Even if it is a great initiative, the government should invest more money in our industry, so that seasonal workers could become long term employees.

"With a combination of good training, resources, and equipment for jobs at hand, we should be able to not rely on seasonal workforce anymore.

I don’t see why there wouldn’t be enough Victorian workers to fill the gaps.”