Deadline looms for labour shortage survey

Time is running out for producers and growers to take part in a government survey on the agricultural labour crisis, farm leaders have warned.

The survey which forms part of Defra’s Independent Review into Labour Shortages, closes at midnight on 21 November.

See also: Farmers’ lump-sum exit scheme application figures released

The National Pig Association (NPA) was among farming organisations that stressed the importance of growers and livestock farmers getting involved.

It suggested the survey was a vital opportunity for farmers in the front line of the labour crisis to have their say on:

• The nature and scale of labour shortages
• How automation could play a role in reducing the effect
• The potential for domestic and migrant labour to limit shortages

Opinions and data gathered from responses will underpin recommendations on how to move forward which will be put to the government by a panel of experts, chaired by grower John Shropshire. 

Mr Shropshire said that farming and food supply sectors faced multiple challenges and labour shortages caused by Brexit rules, the Covid-19 pandemic and conflict in Ukraine were contributing to difficulties.

Recent estimates suggest £60m of produce has been destroyed because there was insufficient labour to harvest it.

Staff shortages at processing plants also led to the backlog of pigs on farms which pushed many farms into bankruptcy.

NPA chief executive Lizzie Wilson said: “Labour shortages continue to be an issue across the pig industry, including at farm level and in meat processing plants.

“We need action from the government and by responding, [farmers] can provide comprehensive and robust data to the Review panel to highlight the issues many businesses face and make the case for change.”

The survey takes 15 minutes to complete and can be accessed on the Defra website.