It could be a game-changer for growers.
It is not just consumers being hit by rising prices.
"Workers have not even received a pay increase in line with inflation this year," the union claims.
But the sector says it falls well short of what is really needed.
With the border closed, finding workers is "very tough".
The affected facilities can continue production and sell tomatoes under strict biosecurity measures.
They say the "real crisis" will be next season.
The best option of the four crops was feijoas because they're frost hardy and easy to manage.
It found "little good evidence" large increases in temporary workers have boosted long-term productivity for the horticulture sector.
