NFU welcomes confirmation of 2025 seasonal worker visa route – NFUonline

In July this year, the MAC (Migration Advisory Committee) reiterated years of NFU lobbying on the importance of the program when it published its report stating that the visa route was ‘clearly necessary to maintain current levels of domestic food production in the short term to be maintained’. -medium term’.

Tom urged the government to publish its response to the MAC “as soon as possible” and reiterated calls for certainty on a long-term seasonal worker scheme.

He added: “We don’t want to see a return to empty supermarket shelves or years of €22 million worth of crops rotting in the fields and we want to ensure consumers have access to their favorite Christmas items this festive season. .

“We have an ambitious industry that wants to boost productivity to support the health and wellbeing of our nation, but action is needed to make this a reality.”

Survey shows positive employee experience

Defra’s 2023 seasonal workers research report was published alongside the announcement. The survey, conducted in early 2024, found that 91% of respondents reported a positive experience from their time in Britain, while 95% expressed a desire to return.

Food Security Minister Daniel Zeichner said: “This government recognizes that food security is national security, and this can only be achieved by supporting food and agricultural businesses.

“Confirming the 2025 seasonal worker visa allocation gives farmers and producers certainty, allowing them to plan ahead and secure the labor they need to grow and prosper.”

The government has said it is working with industry to improve these figures through agricultural compliance checks and worker welfare checks, in addition to working with international partners.

Access to employment is one of the key priorities for the NFU National Poultry Board and is also one of the ten key building blocks identified by the NFU as necessary to deliver long-term growth for the sector as part of our growth strategy for horticulture.