FARMERS and growers in Herefordshire have welcomed Government moves for a short-term easing of restrictions on non-EU migrant workers as a “step in the right direction” but fear it is only a short-term fix.

With the uncertainty of Brexit looming, there is an anxiety to build on this latest announcement from Westminster in hopes of securing what is considered a “vital” role played by migrants in the agricultural sector.

The limited Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme pilot will allow migrant workers from non-EU countries to assist in picking fruit and vegetable crops here in Herefordshire and the rest of the country for a two-year trial. But Anthony Snell, who chairs the National Farmers Union horticultural board, argues this system has already been tried and tested.

The Government statement explains that the two-year trial will enable 2,500 workers from outside the EU to come to the UK each year to help labour shortages during peak production periods. However, Mr Snell, who runs a fruit farm near Harewood End with his wife, Christine, claims that farmers in this country need 60,000 migrant workers each year.

“We are pushing the Government for the reinstatement of the former seasonal agricultural workers’ scheme,” he said. “With so much uncertainty due to Brexit, horticulture and farming is really in a serious situation.”

Mr Snell argued that the need for migrant workers had nothing to do with immigration. “They pay their taxes and National Insurance and then they go back home,” he explained. “We have wonderful seasonal workers who are benefiting the economy and we are proud of them and look after them.” He added: “They are not pinching any jobs but fulfilling a requirement.

“It is vital, if we don’t have enough workers not only will farmers go out of business - it will encourage imports into the country,” he said.

The Government accepts that the UK is at the forefront of soft fruit production, but insists that farmers must also look to technology in order to reduce demands for physical labour.

As automated harvesting solutions were not “universally available”, in the short term the pilot would support farmers during peak production periods.

Environment Minister, Michael Gove said the results of the pilot would be reviewed to see “how best to support the longer-term needs of industry outside the EU”.