The nation’s food security is at risk due to on-going labour shortages, according to dairy producer Arla Foods’ recent annual survey.
This is the fifth year of the on-farm workforce survey, and Arla Foods noted that challenges just as prevalent today as they were in 2020 when the survey began.
The survey – which was conducted across Arla’s 1,900 British farmers – highlighted the difficulty farmers are having in securing skilled staff.
Arla is calling on the government to take “urgent action” to overcome the issue and ensure the security of the nation’s food.
Results
According to the survey, approximately five in every six farmers who have tried hire farm labour say that they have had very few qualified applicants or no applicants at all, a similar tale to 2024.
48.6% of the farmers who can get staff said that it is harder now to retain staff than it was prior to Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Arla highlighted how while hiring farm staff has been a problem for some time, it has got progressively worse over the years, saying around 84% farmers are reporting this as an issue now compared to 79% in 2021.
The survey recorded 6% of participants saying they have already reduced output due to the problem, with a further 12% admitting they will leave the industry within the next 12 months if the situation is not resolved.
Arla reported that over 47% of farmers are aged 55 and above, with only 3% of farmers reported to be first-generation.
In contrast, the farms of over 66% of the farmers recorded have been passed down for at least four generations.
Arla Foods
Arla Foods UK managing director, Bas Padberg said: “Farmers are responsible for feeding a nation, with over 98% of people having milk in their fridge.
What we’re seeing is the real impact of these workforce shortages on our farming industry, whether that’s in higher costs or lower milk production.”
Padberg highlighted how the effects of this shortage will lead to a dip in food availability and a hike in food prices.
The managing director said he is aware that the government has acknowledged the problem but said more needs to be done.
He added: “We need to act quickly, and we need practical steps that the industry, the education sector and government can take together to support more opportunities for inclusion and growth,”
Arla farmer, Heather Davie said: “Recruiting for farming roles remains a significant challenge, with over 90% of applicants coming to us on our farm without any previous experience in agriculture.
“There is a clear disconnect between the education system and pathways into agriculture, and perhaps an even wider gap between people and the origins of their food.”
