EU SEASONAL WORKERS IN THE UK AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY

That this House recognises the critical contribution that seasonal workers from across the EU make to the UK farming industry and fresh produce supply network; demands that the Government unilaterally guarantees the rights and status of EU nationals who comprise a substantial part of the seasonal workforce which enables the UK farming community to continue growing locally produced food and, in particular, the fruit and vegetable sector that is so important to the economy of Fife and Tayside; notes the important social, cultural and family, as well as economic, contribution that EU nationals make to the UK; further demands that the Government brings to an end the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the status of EU citizens who live and work in the agricultural sector; believes that such a guarantee would ensure farmers and farm co-operatives, such as East of Scotland Growers in Cupar, Fife, could plan and invest in future crop production and attract workers from across the EU to meet labour and demographic needs; and encourages the Government to recognise the demographic immigration needs of different parts of the UK, and in particular Scotland's need for a fair robust and secure immigration system and prevent any catastrophic regression of the fresh produce sector, and to recreate a Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme open to countries beyond those of the EU.