A thriving agricultural sector is vital to the
British economy, and fruit and vegetable production plays an
important role in this. Soft fruit production in the UK has
increased by 130% in the last 20 years; however, unlike many other
industries, the fruit and vegetable sector relies heavily on
seasonal labour during peak production periods, with much of this
seasonal labour coming from the EU thanks to the free movement of
people.
Labour shortages
There is growing concern from the agricultural sector about the potential for
significant shortages in seasonal labour as a consequence of Brexit.
The Government has promised a significant reduction in the number
of unskilled EU workers coming to the UK after Brexit, with
high-skilled workers being given priority. The National
Farmers' Union has said there are already reports of a slowdown
in workers coming from the EU, a shortfall of 10% so far this year.
British Summer Fruits has reported shortages in workers of
