Zarah ChoudharyA package of measures to provide certainty and stability to farmers and growers in the UK’s horticulture, poultry and sheep sectors was announced by the Government today.
The Seasonal Worker visa route was confirmed for 2025, with a total of 43,000 Seasonal Worker visas available for horticulture and 2,000 for poultry next year.
Food Security Minister Daniel Zeichner said: “This Government recognises that food security is national security, and this can only be achieved by supporting food and farming businesses.
“Confirming the seasonal worker visa allocation for 2025 gives growers and producers certainty, allowing them to plan ahead and secure the labour they need to grow and thrive.”
As well as confirming visa numbers for 2025, Defra has also published the 2023 Seasonal Worker’s Survey report.
Conducted in early 2024, the survey shows that the vast majority of respondents (91%) reported a positive experience from their time in the UK, and 95% expressed a desire to return.
The Government said it would be working with industry to improve these numbers further through its farm compliance checks to ensure sponsors are adhering to their duties and undertaking welfare checks on workers, and working with international partners to ensure workers know what work to expect before they arrive and can avoid unnecessary costs and fees.
