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Written question asked by Paul Blomfield (Labour) on Wednesday, 30 December 2020, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 11 January 2021. It was answered by Baroness Prentis of Banbury (Conservative) on Monday, 11 January 2021 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Agriculture: Seasonal Workers

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will publish (a) what plans he has to assess the effectiveness of Seasonal Agricultural Workers Pilot scheme due to end in February 2021, (b) the criteria for the final assessment of that scheme and (c) any assessments carried out of that scheme to date.

Answer

On 22 December 2020, the Government extended the Seasonal Workers Pilot for one year and expanded the number of visas from 10,000 to 30,000.

The extension and expansion of the Pilot for 2021 will allow for further evaluation of the pilot, including how growers will reduce their reliance on migrant labour now we have left the EU, whilst also easing some of the pressure felt on farms when they are at their busiest. The first-year evaluation information will be published later this year.

Defra is working closely with industry and the Home Office to better understand the effectiveness of interventions and to ensure there is a long-term strategy for the food and farming workforce beyond 2021.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
132885
Session
2019-21
Grouped for answer
Yes
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Agriculture Pilot schemes Migrant workers Seasonal workers
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk