Concerns over a lack of migrant workers on farms and the rising cost of fuel will be addressed by a horticultural expert when he visits the region next month.
Richard Hirst, the NFU's National Horticultural Board chairman, will speak to growers at an open meeting of the West Midlands Regional Horticultural Board at the YFC Centre, Hawford, near Worcester, on September 6.
He will be accompanied by the NFU's chief horticultural adviser Philip Hudson and all NFU grower members from across the region are invited to attend.
The subject of migrant labour and the Government's consultation document, Managing Migration, is expected to arise because of the industry's need for a plentiful supply of labour for harvesting the many seasonal crops grown in the region.
Other matters, such as water abstraction for irrigation and the rising cost of fuel, are critical for the industry. Growers of protected crops under glass are facing an alarming rise in their heating fuel costs and this could place the future of some businesses under threat.
Anthony Snell, the West Midlands Regional Horticultural Board chairman and a strawberry grower from Harewood End, near Hereford, said: "These are all highly critical issues for growers and we are sure that some strong opinions will be voiced at the meeting."
The meeting is likely to discuss issues such as the planning requirements for polytunnels which are used widely in the region, especially in Herefordshire.
Growers who would like to know more about the detail of the meeting can contact Andrew Richards, the NFU Senior Food and Farming Adviser, on 01952 409238 or they can email him at andrew.richards@nfu.org.uk
