Environment Secretary Steve Reed is set to announce a five-year extension of the UK's seasonal farm worker scheme at the NFU conference, a move designed to ease tensions with farmers. The scheme, which offers 45,000-55,000 seasonal visas annually, aims to prevent labor shortages in agriculture, especially during peak harvest times. This decision follows backlash over inheritance tax changes introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, seen as harmful to family-run farms. Reed emphasizes the need for profitability in farming to ensure long-term food security for the UK, amidst concerns from industry leaders regarding the policies' impact.
Reed's announcement comes amid fierce criticism from farmers and industry bodies over the government's inheritance tax overhaul, which critics say threatens family-run farms.
Reed intends to reassure farmers that the government aims to boost profitability in agriculture, stating, 'I will consider my time as secretary of state a failure if I do not improve profitability for farmers.'
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