Following the publication of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee’s excellent report into labour shortages in food and farming, its chair Neil Parish gave a no-holds-barred interview for the latest Pigs Today podcast.
You can access the podcast, also featuring British Meat Processors Association chief executive Nick Allen and NPA senior policy adviser Charlie Dewhirst, HEREÂ
Mr Parish outlines his concerns over the Government’s handling of the labour shortages that crippled the pig sector last year, and explains his frustration at some of the evidence provided during the inquiry by Immigration Minister Kevin Foster.
He explains how the role of processors and retailers also needs to be addressed and sets out what needs to change to ensure the food and farming sector does not suffer irreparable damage as a result of changes to the Government’s immigration policy. That includes a fundamental change in attitude within the Home Office.
Mr Dewhirst and Mr Allen outline their experiences – or lack of them – with the Home Office on this topic, explaining how they have been met with ‘closed door’ when they have tries to raise it. They delve into some of the detail as to what needs to change and also discuss the bigger picture when it comes to the ongoing industry crisis.