Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Agriculture Sector: Recruitment Support

25 May 2022 · 4 other contributors · 9,698 words

Opened by Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem North East Fife

Responding minister: Victoria Prentis

ImmigrationAgriculture & Rural Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Wendy Chamberlain raised concerns about agriculture sector: recruitment support in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Farmers in North East Fife and the UK face worker recruitment issues due to problems with the seasonal agricultural workers visa scheme.
  • The lead MP requests immediate release of 10,000 additional visas and a five-year rolling announcement basis for the seasonal agricultural worker scheme.
  • The minister announced the seasonal worker visa route will operate until the end of 2024 with no English language requirement and potential for an increase by up to 10,000 visas if needed.

Key requests to Government

The lead MP asks the Government to release the promised 10,000 additional visas immediately, address delays in visa processing, and provide a five-year rolling announcement basis for the seasonal agricultural worker scheme. She also requests consideration of flexibility in English language requirements for skilled workers and increased support through vocational training.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem North East Fife

Farmers in North East Fife and across the UK are struggling to recruit workers due to issues with the seasonal agricultural workers visa scheme. Farmers have been unable to plan for this year or future years, leading to delays and shortages of seasonal workers, which has significant implications for harvesting crops and ensuring food supply. The lack of domestic workers and reliance on migrant labour highlights the need for a long-term solution to secure skilled workers, particularly in livestock farming.

Other contributors (4)
  • Daniel Zeichner Lab Cambridge

    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.

  • Deidre Brock SNP Glasgow North West

    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.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    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 Lib Dem Westmorland and Lonsdale

    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.

Government Response

Victoria Prentis

Addressed the challenges in recruitment due to the pandemic and war in Ukraine, highlighting emergency visa schemes provided for food sectors. Announced that the seasonal worker visa route will operate until the end of 2024 with no English language requirement and potential increase by up to 10,000 if evidence shows need. Mentioned ongoing efforts to improve domestic workforce recognition and accessibility through Jobcentre Plus network and regional recruitment approach. Discussed automation initiatives in horticulture and farming innovation programme.

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