The Member is concerned about the lack of a scheme to bring people into farming, despite one being introduced to get them out. He highlights that the food and drink sector has over half a million vacancies out of 4.1 million jobs and cites a 75% shortage in seasonal workers in parts of the UK. The pig sector is suffering with 200,000 pigs backed up on farms and 35,000 healthy pigs culled due to workforce shortages. He also discusses severe issues in the horticultural sector where businesses report workforce shortages ranging from 20% to 50%. Zeichner calls for an additional 10,000 visas as recommended by the Horticultural Trades Association and EFRA Committee.

Ms Brock highlighted severe seasonal worker shortages up to 75% in some parts of the UK and raised concerns about food security and domestic production. She criticised automation as an unrealistic solution for many farmers due to financial constraints. Emphasising the impact of Brexit, she noted that 14% of the UK's agricultural workforce is employed in Scotland with significant reliance on EU workers pre-Brexit. She also discussed challenges like rocketing costs and depopulation issues in rural areas, urging for tailored immigration policies and consultation with devolved administrations.

Mr Shannon highlighted the McDonald's progressive young farmers programme, which has given opportunities to kick-start careers in food and farming by spending a year with the company. He praised Northern Ireland's role in this scheme and noted its significance for British agriculture. He also discussed the support provided by schools and colleges, as well as the meetings between Minister Edwin Poots of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the UK minister to ensure a strong governmental partnership. Mr Shannon emphasised the need to simplify visa procedures to offer greater support to producers.

Tim Farron highlighted the critical importance of agriculture for food security, environmental management, and rural tourism. He expressed concern over the aging farmer population in the UK, with an average age of 59, coupled with a lack of new recruits entering the industry. The closure of Newton Rigg College was noted as an unnecessary loss, emphasizing the need for DEFRA to support agricultural education. Farron also pointed out that reduced farm incomes due to policy changes could deter young people from pursuing farming careers.