After my doom and gloom column in the final issue of 2008, it is very refreshing to come back to the office this year and find some good news to write about.

The Home Office decision taken just before Christmas to increase the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme (SAWS) quota for this year is testament to the passion and determination of the UK production industry. Trade associations rallied round and lobbied the government long and hard over this one, and it is thoroughly gratifying to see their efforts rewarded - especially at a time when good news is somewhat thin on the ground.

The soft-fruit and salad industries in particular will benefit from this move and, with the last two summers having been so unpredictable on the weather front, growers can at least rest assured that the threats of labour shortage and crop wastage have diminished.

Of course, the addition of 5,000 workers is a short-term solution to an issue that will need far greater scrutiny before a more permanent resolution can be reached, but it does at least indicate that the government is capable of opening its ears and listening to the needs of the country’s agriculture industry once in a while. It is imperative that SAWS, or an equivalent scheme, is implemented far beyond 2010.

On behalf of everyone at FPJ, I would like to wish all our readers a Happy New Year.