NFU underlines need to maintain labour supply
© Tim Scrivener The NFU has appealed to Brexit minister David Davis to ensure that the labour supply for horticulture is not threatened.
The NFU said any potential loss of labour after Britain leaves the European Union could have a devastating impact on the horticulture industry.
Potential bans or limits on the number of EU migrant workers being allowed to come to the UK to help harvest crops could result in large areas of crops being left unharvested and dozens of horticulture businesses going bust.
See also: Analysis – Farming access to labour if the UK left the EU
Suppliers of strawberries, raspberries, apples, blackberries, farm salads, potatoes, vining peas and other horticulture crops could face a labour crisis if the UK government imposes limits on EU migrants coming to the UK.
NFU horticulture board chairman Ali Capper has written to Brexit minister David Davis, asking him to meet with members as soon as possible to discuss how horticulture – and other farming sectors – reliant on labour can ensure continued access to EU migrant labour.
Worcestershire hop and apple grower Ms Capper, who hires about 60 seasonal workers each year, wrote: “Our exit from the European Union now creates uncertainty for farmers and growers.
“It is not unusual for horticultural producers to be planning crops 10 years in advance, yet these crops cannot be produced without good labour supply.”
Explore options
Speaking at the Fruit Focus event in East Malling, Kent, on Wednesday (20 July), Ms Capper said: “Post-Brexit there is the likelihood that there will be a more restrictive immigration process in place. Effectively this could end the free movement of labour from the European Economic Area.
“We need to be prepared to explore all the possible options in maintaining access to horticulture’s vital labour supply. This could involve some form of visa-restricted access to labour. We need to investigate the specifics to ensure we have the workforce this industry needs.
“What is also clear is that we are not just talking about access to seasonal labour – some sectors and businesses are currently reliant on non-UK workers in full-time roles, year-round.”
According to the NFU, horticulture contributes about £3bn each year to the UK economy, employing 37,000 in England alone. However a further 41,000 seasonal workers are needed each year.
Harvest seasons with insufficient seasonal labour lead to British crops remaining unpicked, businesses facing massive losses and retailers being forced to fill shelves with imported produce.
The NFU has called on the government to reintroduce a seasonal agricultural workers schemes or student workers scheme to help bridge the employment gap.