"UK farm worker scarcity "could see food rot in the ground"
Labour's Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) proposed a revival of the former seasonal agricultural workers scheme, which granted temporary visas for migrants to work on British farms, to tackle a "critical shortage" of labourers.
Fears were also raised about "fruit going unpicked" after Brexit due to a reduction in migrant workers from the European Union.
In reply, Mr Eustice said: "We are aware that some have raised concerns about agricultural labour going forward after we leave the EU, and we are listening carefully to the representations they are making."
Food industry leaders have previously said that maintaining access to seasonal and permanent labour from overseas was essential to maintaining the UK food supply chain.
source: independent.ie
