Shortage of horticultural labour.

The UK is currently facing a critical shortage of labour willing to undertake the physically demanding tasks inherent in horticulture, heightening existing challenges in the industry.

The sector has traditionally relied heavily on seasonal foreign workers, mainly from the EU, accounting for up to 99% of labour in the edible horticulture industry. With the implementation of Brexit, the government has ambitions to transition to a high-skilled, high-wage economy, introducing a new points-based immigration system that has sparked concerns within the industry regarding the ability to secure necessary workforce levels. Discrepancies in estimates of required seasonal workers have emerged, with the National Farmers’ Union projecting a need for 70,000 workers, while the government has cited a figure closer to 40,000. Reports have already begun to surface indicating potential labour shortages resulting in crop wastage and increasing concerns over visa processing delays for seasonal workers. Considering these challenges, experts are now contemplating the possibility of a long-term shift away from labour intensive crops.

With the scarcity of seasonal labour for essential agricultural activities such as planting, harvesting, and maintenance, growers are increasingly turning to automation as a means of filling the gap left by the dwindling workforce. From the adoption of robotic harvesters to the implementation of automated planting and irrigation systems, technology is revolutionising the way horticultural operations are managed. While automation offers promising solutions to labour shortages, its successful implementation necessitates substantial investment and adaptation.

As the industry grapples with the dual challenges of labour scarcity and technological adaptation, the future of British horticulture hangs in the balance, with stakeholders working tirelessly to navigate this unprecedented period of change and uncertainty.