There were some pretty stark messages being put forward by both Jimmy Davies of HOPS and Concordia’s Christine Lumb, discussing the seasonal labour situation at a seminar last week.

Some months ago there was a real feeling of determination that the industry would convince the Home Office of the error of its ways over SAWS; last week there was a tangible sense of despondency that, despite receiving support from senior figures within Defra, these calls have so far fallen on deaf ears.

With neither of the two main agencies yet having received confirmation of a SAWS contract for the next three years, labour shortages seem inevitable.

There is a real worry that the evidence the industry will have to present to the government to prove SAWS is needed, will come in the shape of growers having been forced to quit.

In Poland, we are hearing, the largest strawberry grower is exiting the sector due to an inability to source seasonal pickers. That situation may not be far away here.

With all the good work having been done by everybody - including the government - to promote healthy eating and local sourcing, it is infuriating that all this could be undone by a national policy abitrarily applied to an industry that has no need for it.