NANCY NICOLSON FARMING EDITOR

The prospect of a Covid-19 outbreak on one of Tayside’s fruit farms has haunted producers all summer.

When the pandemic struck, only a handful of the industry’s essential seasonal workers were in the country and growers initially feared their valuable crops would rot in fields and polytunnels if the usual dedicated workforce from Eastern Europe couldn’t make the journey.

Locals responded well to nationwide appeals for help, and eventually flights brought enough labour to ensure all this year’s bumper harvest of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and cherries will be picked. It was clear from the outset that it was in everyone’s interest that strict guidelines and quarantine rules for all new workers were followed to the letter.

These include quarantining every incoming employee for two weeks on a separate dedicated area of the farm. Full risk assessments are required, new employees are required to stay in their own caravans during quarantine and they are given work in fields far away from the main squads. They aren’t allowed to leave the farm to visit supermarkets, so food and all other requirements are provided.

Fruit farms have had their full complement of employees for several weeks now and no new migrant workers are expected, although vegetable producers are still recruiting for the autumn and winter.

The experience of the Hereford farm will be a timely warning to all growers not to let down their guard.