Lochhead confirmed, in a letter to SNP South of Scotland MSP Aileen Campbell, that he would be writing to Minister of State for Citizenship and Immigration, Liam Byrne to urge him to rethink the issue.   

Campbell contacted the Cabinet Secretary following concerns over reported labour shortages in Scotland’s soft fruit and vegetable growing sector which could lead to fruit and vegetables in Scotland going unpicked. 

The Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme was reduced in 2005 from 25,000 to 16,250.  It was then altered again last year so that sixty per cent of the quota was allocated to students from around the world with a third reserved for Romanian and Bulgarian workers.

In his response, Lochhead said:

“As you know this is a reserved matter, but one that has a clear impact on Scottish interests. I will therefore be writing to Liam Byrne MP, Minister of State for Citizenship and Immigration at the Home Office to ask him to reconsider his position on this, given the potential impact on our soft fruit and field vegetable sectors, in particular.”

Commenting on the letter Campbell said:

“This action by Richard Lochhead is very welcome.  I hope the UK Government will listen to his request, reconsider the limitations placed on this scheme and allow more seasonal workers into Scotland to support our fruit and veg industry.

“Growers have been warning for some time that they face a shortage of workers and that if action is not taken fruit and vegetables will be left in the fields rather than sold in the markets.

“As Scotland’s farmers face a tough time with rising fuel costs and pressure to keep prices down, the thought of missing out on vital income because the fruit can not be picked is devastating.

“The UK Government must meet with the growers, talk to the Scottish Government and reconsider their actions this year and ensure there are no future changes without genuine industry consultation.”