“The NFU will be looking to respond on behalf of growers and we’d like to hear from businesses which provide such accommodation about the standards they believe they’re meeting now and their views on how the FPC’s proposals will help,” said NFU chief horticulture and potatoes adviser Chris Hartfield.
“Obviously there are some fundamental legal requirements but many growers already go beyond that because the quality of accommodation on offer is a key part of the way they attract and retain good quality workers.
“A common guidance document will be more useful to the industry than having each retailer setting its own expectations but to enable the NFU to make its response we need to understand what growers are already providing, and how easy it would be to meet any additional requirements in the FPC’s proposals – and at what cost.”
Read the consultation document here.
Nigel Jenney, Chief Executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium, said “We’re encouraging all sectors of the industry to work together to improve conditions where necessary and to share good practice. The draft guidance has been developed with support from our members and now we’re seeking feedback from others involved in the provision of caravan accommodation”.
“We’d like people to take this guidance and use it so that they can give us their views on its practical application,” added Nigel Jenney. “We fully anticipate this guidance to evolve over time.”
The FPC’s proposals can be found here.
Please email your views to Y2hyaXMuaGFydGZpZWxkQG5mdS5vcmcudWs= by 16 December. Growers can also respond direct to the FPC. The consultation closes on 2 January.