A changing mix in varieties and season lengths could prove the key to ensuring British people return to working in fresh produce, according to the South East’s new Horticultural Workforce Champion.
Dr Alan Rae, who has been given £20,000 of funding from the South East England Development Agency to identify the labour challenges facing growers in the region, said extended seasons may give British workers the job security that the industry has lacked in the past.
Rae’s research hopes to allow growers to develop best practice case studies and suggest solutions, as he canvases growers’ experiences in securing and retaining reliable workers.
He has been appointed to the role following a doctorate in plant biochemistry and has spent most of his working life delivering IT and market research solutions for businesses.
Rae told freshinfo: “A change in varieties and a change of mix could really help get British people into work. If you can support a season that continues to run past where it is now it makes it more attractive for employers, as it is worth the bureaucracy of getting British people signed up rather than just for, say, four weeks of harvesting. It's also more attractive for workers in terms of job security long term."
Speaking at a meeting of some of the South East’s leading agriculture and horticulture figures, as well as DEFRA’s food and farming director general Katrina Williams, Rae added: “I want to come up with some good models for people who are looking to take their business forward and then hopefully the research can help nudge policy-makers after that. I’ll also be talking to job centres, as well as looking to see what SAWS can be replaced with."
Rae believes painful past experiences of failing to attract or retain suitable local workers have affected some growers, while a reluctance to take on what is perceived as difficult, seasonal and poorly paid work has put off potential employees.
He also said food security could play a key role in defining future labour issues: “Retail demands for consistent supplies increases the pressure to find reliable workers.
“It is about finding a good balance and developing a good knowledge base to take advantage of increased awareness of 5 A DAY and government commitments to food security,” he added.
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