Berry growers urge government to heed recommendations in automation review
3rd August 2022
After the release of the Defra-commissioned review of automation in horticulture, British Berry Growers, which represents 95% of the UK’s commercial soft fruit growers, is calling on the government to take note of the review’s recommendations.
British Berry Growers chairman Nick Marston.
The automation in horticulture review brought together experts across horticulture, technology and supporting industries to understand what would be required to accelerate the development of automation technologies in horticulture.
The review puts forward key recommendations to government to overcome barriers to automation development.
Commenting on the review, British Berry Growers chairman Nick Marston said: “If implemented, the recommendations in the review can set out a path toward automation that will support our berry growers and secure the long-term health of the entire horticulture industry.
“The report rightly acknowledges that the replacement of fruit pickers with autonomous selective harvesting is a long way off and therefore seasonal workers are essential in bridging this gap.
“As such, the review’s recommendation calling on Defra to consider pursuing a long-term Seasonal Workers Scheme starting in 2022 is very much welcomed. A long-term scheme will give growers the much-needed certainty they need to plan and grow their businesses.
“However, we are also calling for Defra and the Home Office to not only extend the length of the scheme, but to also increase the number of visas made available. It is essential that farms have access to the seasonal labour they need to harvest their fruit in the years before such automation is a reality.”
Mr Marston concluded: “We’d like to thank Professor Simon Pearson, and all involved, for bringing together the findings and putting forward the recommendations in this review. The power is now in the hands of government, and we strongly urge whoever steps into No.10 to fully implement the recommendations put forward in the review.”
