This summer, Scotland's fruit growers have benefited from supermarkets putting more local produce, and less imports, on their shelves. However, it has not been all good news; concern over the 'unprecedented' increase in labour costs inflicted by the introduction of the national living wage, plus worries about the supply of seasonal workers post-Brexit, has cast a shadow over the sector.
Reporting on the season so far, NFU Scotland’s horticulture working group chairman, James Porter, from Carnoustie, Angus, said: “It is impossible to give a clear statement on how fruit yields have been overall, as there has been a lot of variation from across the country. The slightly cool summer in Scotland, in particular, has meant crops are around a week or so later than usual, but the cooler weather has prevented sudden gluts, leading to a good average price for supermarket and wholesale fruit over the season.
“Generally the two biggest concerns for growers right now will be long term availability of labour and the national living wage," said Mr Porter. "Growers and their employees need assurances as soon as possible that the seasonal agricultural workers scheme or equivalent will be re-instated after Brexit. Without it, the impact on soft fruit and vegetable sectors in Scotland and the rest of the UK will be devastating.
“We have already experienced an unprecedented minimum wage rise of 11.3% this year, once holiday pay and employers’ NI is taken into account. As growers, we should all be keen to see our employees take home a good wage for their hard work, but we have no means of recovering this kind of increase at the point of sale," he warned.
