Australian horticulture group Growcom is set to nominate a new region eligible for the government’s seasonal worker programme.

Growcom is looking at parts of south east Queensland, which have a significant horticulture industry, reported Radio Australia.

A survey of the group's members has found the area is experiencing labour shortages, according to Growcom's Mark Panitz.

'Stanthorpe's been looking quite good because of the mix of the crops and seasons there and because they've got a lot of stonefruit, vegetables and then the apple and grape season so there's a long spread of a season there,' he said.

'They're also quite good because they're off the normal backpacker trail.'

The programme aims to reduce labour shortage issues during peak picking season, and brings in workers from the Pacific Islands.

Modelled on the successful New Zealand scheme, the seasonal worker programme is on trial for the next three years.

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