We think
around corners.
Background
Background
We were appointed by British Berry Growers, the industry body representing 95% of all British grown berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and cherries) purchased by the UK’s supermarkets and retailers.
At the time of appointment, berry farms across the UK were planning their workforce requirements for 2022, with an announcement expected in the coming months from Government on the number of seasonal worker visas that they would make available. The industry was clear that the number of visas issued needed to be more than the 30,000 issued in 2021, which saw £36.5 million worth of fruit rot on trees due to labour shortages.
Strategy
Strategy
Whilst the technical case for issuing more visas is sound, there was the risk that the decision on how many visas to issue would be seen through a highly political lens. As such, we needed to create pressure within the Conservative Party to take a non-ideological approach to seasonal workers.
In a short space of time in addition to laying foundations for engagement, targeting the right stakeholders and developing messaging, we have:
Meeting programme
We have had opportunities to tell the store of the sector and put the right facts and figures in the hands of those that can shape this decision, including the EFRA Select Committee Chair. This engagement programme has led to a number of Oral Questions asked in the House of Commons and Written Questions tabled. We have also provided a number of written briefings to MPs and their staff to assist them in conversations with the Home Office about the Seasonal Worker Scheme.
Ministerial Visit
We secured a joint ministerial visit with both the Minister for Agri-Innovation and the Immigration Minister to see the innovations the sector is making in the use of fruit picking robots to reduce its reliance on seasonal workers.
Increase in visas
Following efforts from British Berry Growers and the National Farmers Union, Defra announced an increase in visas issued under the scheme from 30,000 to 45,000 in 2023, with the potential to increase this by another 10,000 if necessary.
