He said that the NFU was pushing government to give the industry a clearer steer on what to expect as a result of Brexit. The package referenced survey findings suggesting a significant decline in the availability of skilled seasonal labour has left some businesses critically short of people to harvest fruit and veg.
The new Defra Secretary Michael Gove also appeared at the event. He said: “As for the specific needs of the agricultural economy when it comes to seasonal workers, the advisory committee will look at needs and will report back on what we need to do to make sure our economy is strengthened – not weakened – as we leave the EU.”