Labour Shortages Threaten Food Security in England

Arla Foods’ recent on-farm workforce survey underscores an alarming risk to England’s food security due to persistent labour shortages. This marks the fifth consecutive year the dairy producer has conducted this survey, which includes insights from Arla’s 1,900 British farmers.

Among the key findings is that five out of six farmers who attempted to hire farm labour reported facing significant difficulties, a situation unchanged since 2020. Nearly 48.6% of those who did hire staff have found retention more challenging since Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic.

The survey revealed that 84% of the farmers view hiring issues as a worsening problem compared to 79% in 2021. Alarmingly, 6% have already reduced output, and 12% indicated they might leave the industry within a year if circumstances remain unchanged.

Arla Foods UK’s managing director, Bas Padberg, warned of the tangible impact these shortages have on the industry, leading to elevated costs and lower milk production. Padberg calls for urgent government intervention, asserting that the education sector, industry, and government must collaboratively create opportunities for workforce growth and inclusion.

Arla farmer Heather Davie echoed these sentiments, pointing out the glaring disconnect between education pathways and agricultural careers. With over 90% of applicants lacking agricultural experience, the roadmap from education to farming presents significant hurdles.