Thankful4Farmers has launched a brand new pitch to young Australians – swap out Bali backpacking for regional ‘pickpacking’ for your “new GAP year”.

School leavers are encouraged to ‘Go And Pick’ or ‘Go And Pour’, taking up any number of jobs in the regions – from bar staff to farmhands – while unable to venture overseas.

Celebrity chef and Thankful4Farmers ambassador Matt Moran told Jim Wilson the options are vey flexible, allowing for gaps as short as a few weeks and as long as a year.

“It’s a great chance for them to earn a little bit of money, and it’s obviously helping out the farmers in a massive way, but also the economy.”

18-year-old Vanessa Raptis plans to try out the program when she finishes the HSC, and said many of her friends who had planned European gap years are now considering joining her.

“I believe that it’s really important to be passionate about social justice and community, and you’re especially giving back to our farmers who are the backbone of Australia.”

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To learn more about Thankful4Farmers’ New Gap Year click HERE.