The United Kingdom government has announced plans to issue 43,000 seasonal worker visas to support the agricultural sector, extending the visa program until 2029. This initiative aims to provide stability and clear guidance for farmers and businesses, enabling them to plan and adapt effectively.
The announcement follows Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s unveiling of the largest-ever round of farming grants at the NFU Conference earlier this year, with a total of £427 million earmarked for farmers, doubling the investment in productivity schemes.
In addition to the horticulture sector, which will receive the majority of these visas, the UK is also targeting an additional 2,000 visas for the poultry sector in 2025. This move is part of a broader effort to address shortages in the food supply chain by investing in technology to reduce reliance on migrant labor.
Environment Secretary Steve Barclay highlighted the significance of these measures.
“We have a world-class food and drink sector, and the measures announced today will strengthen this by boosting funding for cutting-edge technology that will reduce reliance on migrant labour in the long term. Businesses do best when they can plan effectively for the future, which is why we’ve extended the seasonal worker visa route until 2029 to give farmers and growers the certainty they need to thrive,” he said.
Individuals can apply for the Seasonal Work Visa to work in the UK horticulture sector for up to six months, undertaking tasks such as picking fruits, vegetables, or flowers. The program also includes provisions for the poultry sector, with work periods from October 2 to December 31 each year. Applications for poultry work must be submitted by November 15 annually, while those for horticulture can be made at any time.
This extension of the visa route is designed to allow ample time for planning and adaptation, ensuring that the agricultural sector remains robust and capable of meeting future challenges. The initiative underscores the UK government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural industry through strategic investments and policy measures.