Vegetable producers fear that “their” seasonal workers from Eastern Europe will not return to Scotland next spring.

The constant uncertainty about the availability of labor to harvest broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and soft fruits is one of the causes of headaches for managers of East of Scotland Growers Ltd (ESG), based in Kupar.

ESG Director, Managing Director Andrew Feicney, said labor costs accounted for 35–40% of the costs for 16 farmers who farm in Angus, Perthshire, Fife and the south to Kelso. Staffing has become the only pressing issue for their business.

Feichesny comments: “We urge the government to be more active and commit to increase the pilot system of seasonal agricultural workers to more than 2.5 thousand this year. Rumor has it that in 2020 it can increase to 10 thousand, but no one doesn't know what will happen. ”

“Farm workers are intimidated, and after starting work, it’s hard to ease their fears,” he said. “They feel unwilling to work, they worry that they will not be able to leave the country or will not be able to withdraw money, and they are afraid that the currency will depreciate.

It may take a long time to convince them that they are welcome here. ”