The UK government has unveiled a package of measures designed to provide certainty and stability for the nation’s horticultural sector, reaffirming its commitment to bolstering British fresh produce.
The announcement, made on Monday 21 October, confirmed the continuation of the Seasonal Worker visa scheme into 2025, with 43,000 visas allocated specifically for horticulture and an additional 2,000 for poultry.
The decision aims to secure the labour and skills required to bring premium British fresh produce such as strawberries, rhubarb, and daffodils to market, ensuring growers have the confidence to plan ahead. The government’s move has been welcomed as a vital step in sustaining the quality and availability of home-grown produce amid increasing market challenges.
Food Security Minister Daniel Zeichner reinforced the government’s focus on supporting the fresh produce sector, stating, “This government recognises that food security is national security, and this can only be achieved by supporting food and farming businesses. Confirming the seasonal worker visa allocation for 2025 gives growers and producers certainty, allowing them to plan ahead and secure the labour they need to grow and thrive.”
Fresh Produce at the Heart of British Farming
With the horticulture sector relying heavily on seasonal labour, the government’s confirmation of 43,000 visas provides a significant boost to growers of fresh produce across the UK. This move is expected to help farmers bring a wide range of seasonal crops to market, securing the supply of iconic British produce and maintaining the nation’s reputation for quality.
The government’s commitment to monitoring worker welfare was further highlighted by the release of the 2023 Seasonal Workers’ Survey. Conducted earlier this year, the survey revealed that 91% of respondents had a positive experience in the UK, and 95% expressed a desire to return. To build on this, Defra is strengthening its farm compliance checks to ensure the fair treatment of seasonal workers and is working with international partners to reduce unnecessary costs and fees for incoming labour.
Support for Growers and Resilience Against Challenges
In addition to supporting the fresh produce sector, the government announced measures to safeguard poultry and egg farmers against the financial impacts of avian influenza. New legislation, due in early 2025, will allow free-range eggs to retain their label during mandatory housing orders, ensuring British egg producers can remain competitive against their European counterparts.
The government is also consulting on introducing similar labelling flexibility for free-range poultry, a move that would bring greater consistency across the sector and reduce unnecessary costs for farmers.
A Fair and Transparent Market
To enhance fairness within the food supply chain, the government has committed to introducing legislation that mandates sheep carcase classification and price reporting, aligning the sector with the beef and pork industries. This step aims to protect farmers and ensure transparent and fair pricing practices for livestock.
By prioritising fresh produce in its package of measures, the government is taking decisive action to support British growers, securing a reliable supply of seasonal crops and reinforcing the importance of home-grown food. With the Seasonal Worker visa allocation confirmed and new legislation on the horizon, the fresh produce sector is poised for greater stability and resilience, ensuring the continued success of British horticulture.
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