The Northern Ireland Mushroom Growers Association (NIMGA) has said that the current Seasonal Workers Visa Scheme, which permits migrant workers to work in the UK for up to six months, is costing farms up to up to £8000 per worker.
This contrasts to the Republic of Ireland where workers from around the world can stay for two years, with the possibility of extension.
This means that for the equivalent period of time in the north, mushroom farms are paying up to £32,000 per worker over two years.
The mushroom industry accounts for 40% of Northern Ireland’s horticultural output and is valued at £64.25 million annually, with the potential to increase this figure significantly providing there are the right conditions for growth.
In the years following the ending of freedom of movement within the EU, the sector has struggled to recruit locally. This reflects a global trend in horticulture, with other countries introducing specific schemes to ensure access to the needs of the sector.
Seasonal Workers Visa Scheme
Chair of NIMGA, John McArdle said: “NIMGA figures show that for every worker coming through the SAWS, it costs £8130.
“Over a period of two years, this rises to over £32,000 as every six months we are forced to restart the training and investment again. This is crippling the industry.
“This challenge is compounded by more favourable conditions in the Republic of Ireland which includes generous government support schemes as well as a visa of up to five years which enables much more fertile conditions for growth.
“NIMGA has been lobbying both the UK government and NI Executive on the need to bring forward a bespoke visa which would ultimately enable the sector grow through providing an appropriate visa to enable access to labour, as well as investment in supporting Net Zero targets and automation.
McArdle added that the “NI Executive and UK government must act now to support the mushroom industry before it disappears.
“As a locally produced, nutritious food source, with significant growth potential, the lack of support for the industry in Northern Ireland stands in stark contrast with a thriving industry in the Republic of Ireland, and one which growers in the north cannot compete with.
“The solution lies in UK government introducing a fit-for-purpose visa that meets the needs of the industry and economy, and the NI Executive supporting our sector with energy efficiency and ultimately, automation. We are urging them to act now before it is too late.”
