EP Strawberries plans to increase Solomon Islands recruitment following the inaugural PALM expo
By Georgina Maka’a
Maryanne Geygan, a director at EP Strawberries, highlighted the growing role of Solomon Islands workers in Australian agriculture.
She made the statement in an interview with journalists at the closing reception of the inaugural Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme expo in Honiara.
EP Strawberries, a Queensland-based family business operating for over 40 years, was among 25 Australian agricultural employers attending the event to engage with local officials and recruit workers.
“We currently have 230 PALM short-term workers, and right now, 50 of our workers are from the Solomon Islands,” Geygan said.
Following the week-long expo, the company aims to increase its recruitment of Solomon Islander workers by 10% to 15% for the upcoming season.
Under the multi-year PALM scheme visa structure, participants work in Australia for 8 to 9 months annually before returning home for a 3-to-4-month break.
According to Geygan, several Solomon Islands employees are currently entering their sixth consecutive season with EP Strawberries.
Earnings sent back by participants are frequently reinvested in local initiatives, including purchasing transport boats for outer islands, constructing rental properties, and establishing village shops.
Addressing workforce retention and absconding within the sector, Geygan emphasized the importance of the initial recruitment and selection process.
“The prevention of absconding starts early on with choosing the right candidate for the job,” Geygan stated, adding that candidate selection focuses on initiative, adaptability, and workplace attitude alongside role suitability.
She added that women currently comprise 40% of EP Strawberries’ PALM workforce, with the company targeting a 50/50 gender balance within the next few years.
Geygan commended the support provided by Honiara’s Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) during the recruitment process.
“Your team, the LMU here, is the easiest LMU that I have dealt with personally,” she said.
She also addressed the Solomon Islands Government’s target of deploying 5,000 workers under the scheme, describing it as achievable through continued bilateral coordination.
As the event concluded, Geygan expressed optimism regarding future participation in the program.
