Right-wing politician Jacob Rees-Mogg has been criticised by industry leaders for recent comments that the UK does not need fruit pickers” and that “If fruit can be grown more cheaply and more economically in foreign countries, we should import more fruit.”
He made the claims in response to the latest data published by the Office for National Statistics that showed net migration to the UK reached a new high of 745,000 last year. It has been claimed that the MP, who represents a rural constituency in North East Somerset ‘failed to recognise the invaluable contribution of growers and pickers in aiding domestic food production.’
Liz Webster, chair of Save British Farming, said, “Jacob Rees-Mogg is not only failing his constituents with his inflammatory anti-British farming outbursts backing foreign lower standard imports, but also the country as a whole. All research shows the vast majority of British people back British farming and prefer to eat high quality British food. Food security is national security. British food is something which our politicians should be truly proud of.”
NFU horticulture and potato board chair Martin Emmett added that seasonal workers who come to the UK play a “crucial role in aiding domestic food production.” He said, “It is vital for the Government to recognise the importance of the seasonal workers needed to produce and process high-quality, affordable and sustainable food to maintain the UK’s food security.
“Relying on cheaper imported produce also fails to recognise the invaluable contributions of British farmers and growers. British farmers take pride in the environmentally friendly and sustainable food they produce, and we cannot afford to undermine them by importing produce which may not meet the high standards they grow to.
“Supporting our domestic agricultural sector is not just about economics – it is also about boosting food security, job preservation and sector resilience. By recognising their efforts, we can help support a thriving agricultural sector which not only sustains our economy but also safeguards the integrity of our food production.”