Firstly, I apologise for the 1980’s kids TV show reference, but somehow it seems quite appropriate at this time. The latest political wrangles between and within parties can often seem from the outside like playground stuff. Following the so-called ‘Chequers agreement’ we had the inevitable resignations that go along with decisions of this magnitude, and the stone throwing from the parties on the outside. Sometimes I wonder if the cabinet is about to go pop! But when the dust settles, we may eventually look back on the government’s Brexit plan as a pivotal moment as we exit the European Union.
For those supporters of a ‘softer’ Brexit, much of what Theresa May has set out may be appealing. The NFU has considered the agreement in detail and identified how the proposals will impact on the farming sector.
There is, of course, still a long way to go and no-doubt many twists and turns to come. For the NFU Horticulture and Potatoes board, we continue to remain focussed on the things that affect us the most and it seems not a week goes by when I do not refer back to our challenges to secure seasonal labour.
The NFU’s monthly labour survey continues to demonstrate a need for government support. Figures for 2018 have shown a further decline in availability and the NFU President set out our case directly with the PM when they met earlier this month. NFU Horticulture Adviser, Lee Abbey, also stressed the need for a new seasonal workers scheme during an APPG on garden horticulture this week. For now, however, it seems the government is unmoved on the issue.
It has also been an up and down season for horticulture growers with the cold, wet spring and hot, dry summer causing all sorts of issues on farm. For some sectors, particularly indoor crops, the weather has helped sales and brought on yields. For most other sectors, however, the dry weather is causing great concern over yield and quality. At times like these, it is important for growers and their customers to have an open dialogue and to work to mitigate the impacts as far as possible. For buyers, this will almost certainly mean having to be flexible with specifications and waving penalty clauses. It is situations like these when the principles behind the NFU Fruit & Veg Pledge and the NFU Plants and Flowers Pledge become ever more important and we are pushing for more retailers to sign up. It is in all of our interests to work collaboratively and openly so that we make the most of the British crop and give our consumers what they want.