Don’t cut off our supply of farm workers

FARMERS, food producers and retailers last night urged Theresa May to ensure they continue to have access to sufficient numbers of EU agricultural workers after Brexit.

The demand is part of a manifesto by leaders of over 100 food industry bodies published today.

It notes that “with a significant proportion of EU nationals working in the UK agri-food sector, it is vital that the Government ensures a continuing, adequate supply of permanent and seasonal labour for the industry before and after the UK leaves the EU”.

Many of their businesses were having problems recruiting workers so the Government must ensure “in the short to medium-term” the industry has access to the overseas labour market.

The manifesto has been sent to the Prime Minister by National Farmers’ Union president Minette Batters.

She stressed that food and farming is worth £112billion to the economy and employs four million people, while also caring for the countryside which in turn brings in over £21billion worth of tourism.

“In the manifesto we warn, as a collective, that a Brexit that fails to champion UK food producers, and the businesses that rely on them, will be bad for the country’s economy and society,” Mrs Batters said. “Conversely, if we get this right, we can all contribute to making Brexit a success for producers, food businesses and the British public.”

A Government spokeswoman said: “We have been clear that up until December 2020, employers in the agricultural and food processing sectors will be free to recruit EU citizens to fill vacancies and those arriving to work will be able to stay in the UK afterwards.”