The Immigration Minister says the Government is responding to horticulture industry needs.

The Government has increased the Regional Seasonal Employer scheme cap by 3,000 places.

Employers will be able to access 19,000 workers each year from participating Pacific countries.

It's also requiring employers to provide the workers with sick leave.

Minister Michael Wood told Mike Hosking the figure is based on growth projections for the coming season.

He says there's always strong interest in the scheme, but they can't go too far as the Pacific islands also have their own labour needs.

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