A LANDOWNERS association has warned that farmers will fail to feed the nation if migrant workers are excluded from vital jobs across the rural economy.

The Countryside Landowners' Association (CLA), which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses told the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) Select Committee inquiry on Wednesday (February 22) that the sector would face reduced production and growth which could lead to increased food imports and prices if access to migrant labour is closed down post-Brexit.

CLA deputy president and farmer Tim Breitmeyer said: “Farms and other rural businesses need to know that after Brexit there will still be a flexible, skilled and secure workforce so they can plan for the future and invest in their business.

“The rural economy is already at risk due to labour shortage. We need certainty that a new seasonal agricultural workers scheme will be introduced immediately and not after the UK leaves the EU.”

Mr Breitmeyer said a new scheme should allow migrants of both EU and non-EU countries to enter the UK for a set period of time and for a specific job vital to the needs of the rural economy but with no right to remain after their contract finishes.