Federated Farmers is backing a proposal by National that hopes to fix our skills shortage in the primary sector.

The Opposition is calling for a primary sector visa, as well as an extension to the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme.

National's Immigration Spokesperson Michael Woodhouse told Kate Hawkesby the visa wasn't necessary when they were in power.

"When we came to government, there was both a recession and PSA issue, which meant the labour demand wasn't as blunted as it is now."

However, Michael Woodhouse says when labour demand surged back in 2013, National did increase The Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme.

"The labour demand is not going away and the labor is simply not there for them.

"While we would like to see every single unemployed New Zealander have a job, the reality is we are going to have to continue relying on the international labour market."