Mushroom growers in Northern Ireland are expressing concerns over the seasonal worker visa scheme, which is projected to cost the sector approximately £16,000 annually per farm. This development arises as the new Labour government in the UK has set a limit of 43,000 migrant workers for the 2025 season, who are allowed to work in the country for up to six months. The Northern Ireland Mushroom Growers Association (NIMGA) highlights that the cost per worker could reach up to £8,000 for each six-month period, a stark contrast to the Republic of Ireland where workers can stay for two years with a possibility of extension.
The mushroom sector, which represents 40% of Northern Ireland's horticultural output and brings in £64.25 million annually, has faced recruitment challenges since Brexit ended the freedom of movement within the EU. This has placed a strain on the industry's capacity for growth. NIMGA's chair, John McArdle, emphasized the financial burden the seasonal visa scheme imposes, costing over £32,000 over two years due to the necessity of restarting training and investment every six months. He also pointed out the more favorable conditions in the Republic of Ireland, which include government support schemes and longer visa durations, fostering a more conducive environment for industry growth.
McArdle has called for action from both the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive to introduce a bespoke visa solution that would support the mushroom sector's growth by facilitating access to labor and investing in net zero targets and automation. The industry's survival, he argues, depends on such measures, especially when compared to the thriving mushroom sector in the Republic of Ireland. McArdle urges immediate action to prevent the industry's decline and to leverage its potential contribution to Northern Ireland's economy.
Source: FarmingLife
Source: The Irish News