Delivery of a scheme that allows seasonal migrant workers to come to Scotland is now “urgent”, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Michael Gove was told the during a visit to Angus Soft Fruits.
Mr Lochy Porter, Managing Director of Angus Soft Fruits stressed the importance of migrant labour to the success of the industry, and the scale of the workers contribution, not only to the local economy, but also through the money they paid through the tax system.
Mr Gove but said he he had been working hard across government departments, and that he hoped to have ‘complete clarity’ by March.
Angus MP Kirstene Hair invited Mr Gove to visit Angus and argued the industry is now at “breaking point”.
She said: “More EU workers stayed on the Continent last year – leading to a 15% shortfall in UK horticulture.
“That figure will only increase this year without a scheme allowing ease of access for seasonal employees – much like the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme previously in place.
“Tayside provides 70% of all Scottish soft fruit and Angus contributes almost half of that produce.
“It is a vital, iconic, Scottish industry which has gone from strength to strength in recent years but that success is at serious risk if the Home Office continue to sit on their hands.”
She added: “This situation has now reached breaking point – the industry simply cannot afford for the government to hold off taking action on this issue.”
Mr Gove said: “We place great value on the UK’s food and farming industries, and seeing the fantastic business of fruit growing here at Angus Soft Fruits reinforces how enterprises like these are a crucial component of the UK economy and the fabric of rural Britain.
“Angus Soft Fruits described the importance of having access to a skilled seasonal workforce and I was able to see their impressive operations.
“Our aim is to provide farmers and producers with the tools they need to ensure they can grow and sell as much produce as possible.”
Mr Gove said any scheme introduced has to be UK-wide, stating “farmers in Angus are facing the same agricultural recruitment challenges as farmers in Kent.”
Mr Gove arrived in the county following a meeting with local farmers and NFU Scotland representatives in a roundtable meeting at Gloagburn Farm, Tibbermore organised by Luke Graham, MP for Ochil & South Perthshire.
