Horticulture Award, explained for shift work.
Horticulture Award 2020 · Reviewed July 2026 by the MyGig compliance team
Planting, cultivating, harvesting, and packing horticultural crops: farms, orchards, and nurseries, including seasonal picking and packing work.
Penalties and loadings to know
- Casual loading of 25% on the ordinary hourly rate
- Pieceworkers are protected by a minimum hourly guarantee: piece rates cannot undercut it
- Overtime provisions apply; weekend treatment differs from hospitality-style awards
Roles typically covered
Current minimum rates
Entry-level adult casual: $32.18/hr as at 1 July 2026, from MyGig's award engine (the same data that prices every shift). Award rates change with every annual wage review (first full pay period on or after 1 July). For the full classification tables, use the official pay guide, or let MyGig apply them for you: every shift estimate uses current rates, penalties included, clause cited.
Horticulture Award FAQs
Can piece rates pay less than the hourly minimum?
No: since the piecework reforms, pieceworkers must be guaranteed at least the minimum hourly equivalent for time worked. It is a critical compliance point for harvest labour.
Does the award cover backpacker/visa workers?
The award applies to the work regardless of visa status: visa holders are entitled to full award pay. MyGig verifies right-to-work and applies the award like any other engagement.
Where are current horticulture rates?
In the official MA000028 pay guide linked here, updated with each annual wage review.
General information only, not legal advice. The award itself (Horticulture Award 2020, MA000028) and the Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay tools are the authoritative sources: read the award. Back to all award guides or MyGig compliance & EOR.
Stop interpreting awards by hand.
MyGig employs your casual workers as EOR and applies this award automatically: rates, loadings, penalties, and super, with the clause cited.