With a record number of Pacific workers in the country, it is likely the next time you buy grapes, oranges or a steak from the supermarket, a worker on the scheme helped get the food to your plate.

A key component of the reforms is to ensure that casual employees, who under their visa conditions can only work for employers approved by the federal government, are paid a minimum of 30 hours a week...

The minimum-hours change will come into effect from July next year.

The farming sector, which takes about 70 per cent of the workers, as well as the federal opposition and Australian Fresh Produce Alliance have opposed the changes, arguing it would increase the program's costs, and make it unworkable.

Unions have labelled their response as "hysteria"...

Another reform welcomed by workers aims for greater transparency around workers' deductions.

It will include a minimum net pay guarantee after tax and deductions of $200, plus changes to make sure workers understand the deductions which are usually for accommodation, transport and paying back flights.

Mr Yakapus said employer deductions were confusing, and he looked forward to a consistent income...

[Uniting Church senior social justice advocate Mark] Zirnsak said the reforms would also bring Australia into line with farm worker schemes in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

Other changes he supports include giving workers seven days' notice of termination. Currently, workers can find themselves out of work with no notice, which means they may lose their accommodation, which is often provided by the employer...