The NFU, including 160 members, have written to Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick amid concerns over visas for seasonal workers in the future.
The NFU letter, penned by NFU Deputy President Tom Bradshaw, has asked for urgent clarity on the number of visas amid concerns that current government commitments will fall short of what is needed by the British horticulture sector.
The NFU has said that securing sufficient seasonal labour remains an acute challenge for the sector with NFU data showing that shortages peaked at 40% in the spring and have averaged 15% across the year to date.
“However, we remain concerned that the number of visas available are not sufficient to prevent further crop losses and a continued fall in UK production,” said NFU Deputy President Tom Bradshaw.
In the letter, which is published in full on the NFU website, members have said the sector is asking for urgent clarity on the Seasonal Workers Scheme.
“We all welcomed the news last year that the Seasonal Workers Scheme is guaranteed to 2024. However, we remain concerned that the number of visas falls short of what is needed to prevent further crop losses and a continued fall in UK production,” said the letter.
“Securing sufficient seasonal labour remains an acute challenge for the sector, and NFU data shows that shortages peaked at 40% in the spring and have averaged 15% across the year to date. In particular, the horticulture sector has been significantly impacted, with UK fruit and vegetables, plants and flowers going unpicked – leading to a significant financial loss for British producers and nutritious food being wasted. While the government’s own food strategy includes an ambition for growth in horticulture, domestic production is currently falling at a worrying rate and is way below its potential,” it continued.
Co-signatories include: Madestein UK, Barfoot Farms, Varfell Farms, Strawson, Riviera Produce and G’s Fresh.