Arla in the UK is calling for government initiatives to help address the shortage of farm labour. Some farmers have already reduced production, a new survey shows.

A recent survey among Arla’s 1,900 British farmers reveals that the shortage of skilled labour in agriculture is both serious and worsening. Around 84% of farmers who have tried to hire staff have received few or no qualified applicants. Six percent have already reduced production, while 13% expect to leave the industry within the next year if the situation does not improve.

The problem also extends across the wider agricultural supply chain, where, for example, hiring engineers currently takes an average of 116 days. Arla is urging the government to take swift, practical action, including improving education pathways into the industry and breaking down stereotypes about farming.

Arla has already launched apprenticeship schemes and technological innovation projects, but stresses that government support is essential to safeguard the UK’s food supply security and to attract new talent to the sector.

• 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. The effect of this is ultimately going to be seen in the price and availability of products on the supermarket shelves, affecting the millions of people that rely on dairy as a source of nutrition in their diet.

Read the full press release from Arla UK HERE

Foto: Arla UK