John Shropshire, executive chairman at vegetable farming business G’s Group since stepping down as CEO last year, has been appointed by Defra to chair an independent review into labour shortages in the food supply chain.
Plans for a review were first announced in the government’s food strategy for England published in June.
Defra said the review will consider the challenges facing food and farming businesses to recruit and retain the labour they require as the government ‘recognises the sector cannot sustainably rely on migrant labour, especially in light of global pressures elsewhere.’
It will encompass the roles of automation, domestic employment and migration routes. A separate review on how to fast-track the development and adoption of automation across horticulture was published in July.
Mr Shropshire will be supported by an expert panel drawn from various sectors of food production. “I hope we can make some clear recommendations that will have a long-term impact on reducing pressure on farmers and increasing food security,” he said.
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