Labour shortage leaves £22m fruit and veg left to waste in the field

The NFU workforce survey represents about one third of the UK horticulture sector – prompting the union to estimate that as much as £60m of food could be left unharvested this year due to lack of labour.

It said the results highlighted the devastating impact workforce shortages are having on the food and farming sector – resulting in significant crop losses at a time when the country is experiencing the worst cost-of-living crisis in generations.

Wasted food

NFU deputy president Tom Bradshaw said: “It’s nothing short of a travesty that quality, nutritious food is being wasted at a time when families across the country are already struggling to make ends meet because of soaring living costs.”

At the same time, Mr Bradshaw said prolonged dry weather and record temperatures had created further challenges for the fruit and veg sector. “Every crop is valuable – to the farm business and to the people whose plates they fill. We simply can’t afford to be leaving food unpicked.”

With demand on the Seasonal Workers Scheme expected to increase again next year, Mr Bradshaw said it was vital that scheme had the capacity to facilitate the people the sector needs to pick, pack and process the country’s fruit and vegetables.

This meant increasing the number of visas available to a minimum of a five-year rolling scheme. This would give growers confidence to invest in their businesses – particularly given growth in the horticultural sector is a government ambition set out in the National Food Strategy.

“This survey has demonstrated just how crucial it is for fruit and veg growers to have access to the workforce they need. Expanding the Seasonal Workers Scheme will play a vital role in enabling that access and ensuring we don’t see this devastating level of food waste next year.”

Survey Findings:

•  40% of respondents are suffering crop losses due to labour shortages

•  56% of respondents reported an average 19% fall in production

•  On average, businesses are experiencing a 14% worker shortage

•  17% of recruited workers did not turn up

•  9% of workers left their contract early

Source: NFU