A strawberry producer wants the Government to let in overseas pickers to fill shortages ahead of the upcoming season.

Perry's Berries director, Francie Perry says when it comes to New Zealanders, they get people who are enthusiastic but find the work physically too hard.

She told Kate Hawkesby the concern is because they're so short of pickers, they're setting people up to fail.

"We know some people are probably not going to be fit enough, but what are thr options, because we don't have enough people to do the job."

Perry says they have exhausted all avenues looking for Kiwi workers and backpackers, and after working with the Ministry of Social Development through Work and Income, they had 16 inquiries, of which only eight have registered.

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