Charter flights to bring agricultural workers to Britain from eastern Europe are needed urgently if fruit and vegetables are not to be left rotting in fields, it has been reported.
According to The Observer, some large farms have already been chartering planes to secure labour.
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But farming organisations and recruitment agencies say that the UK Government needs to step in and help organise more flights as the coronavirus pandemic places significant additional pressure on the agriculture sector.
Tens of thousands of positions need to be filled across the country.
The Observer reported that one leading supplier, Concordia, wanted to bring in around 10,000 labourers – half from the EU and the rest from Russia, Moldova, Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia and Barbados.
But all of the non-EU countries are closed as the outbreak tightens its grip.
Stephanie Maurel, Concordia’s chief executive, said: “Our recruitment outside the EU is stalled which leaves us with Lithuania, which has closed borders, Romania with no aeroplanes, and Bulgaria which is our little beacon.”
Nick Marston, the chairman of British Summer Fruits, which represents soft fruit growers, said his industry was “entering an unprecedented time”.
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Environment Secretary George Eustice said: “Our farmers are doing a fantastic job of feeding the nation... during this immensely challenging time. I have been speaking with industry about the critically important issue of seasonal workers, who usually come from Europe to pick fruit and vegetables.
“We need to mobilise the British workforce to fill that gap and make sure our excellent fruit and vegetables are on people’s plates over the summer months. There are already brilliant recruitment efforts under way.”
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