In 2025, the UK government plans to issue 43,000 seasonal worker visas for the horticulture sector and an additional 2,000 visas for the poultry sector, extending the visa program until 2029.
This move aims to support farmers and growers in adopting automated solutions, thereby reducing dependence on migrant labor and enabling businesses to plan and invest in automation.
The government is addressing labor shortages in the food supply chain by investing in technology that will help farms and other food-related businesses across the UK.Following John Shropshire’s Independent Review of Labor Shortages in the Food Supply Chain, the government plans to roll out several new initiatives:Extending the seasonal worker visa route until 2029 to allow businesses ample time to plan and adapt.
Allocating up to £50 million for the development of fully automated packhouses, with additional support planned to bring robotic crop pickers to the efficiency level of human pickers within three to five years.
Developing a comprehensive strategy to enhance skills training and attract domestic workers.The Seasonal Worker visa allows individuals to work in the UK in sectors such as horticulture for up to six months, including tasks like picking fruit, vegetables, or flowers, and in poultry 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. Applicants need to have a sponsor and meet other eligibility criteria.
The government is increasing its support for using machines in farming and plans to completely automate several large packing facilities within the next 12 to 18 months. They are also working with technology companies to accelerate the development of robots capable of harvesting crops as efficiently as human workers within three to five years, aiming to position the UK as a global leader in agricultural innovation.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently announced significant farming grants at the NFU Conference, with £427 million available to double funding for projects that enhance farm productivity. Environment Secretary Steve Barclay emphasized, “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 long-term reliance on migrant labor.”Barclay added, “Businesses do best when they can plan effectively for the future, which is why we’ve extended the seasonal worker visa route until 2029, providing farmers and growers with the certainty they need to thrive.”
