“The five-year extension is welcome news for agriculture and horticulture in Northern Ireland. Both sectors have been severely impacted by a shortage of labour in recent years. The announcement from DEFRA Secretary of State Steve Barclay provides a life-line to farmers and growers who have found it almost impossible to recruit and retain staff.

“The short-term visa route facilitates the recruitment of migrant workers into GB and Northern Ireland. Overseas workers are essential, especially for fruit and vegetable producers as the majority of the harvesting work is seasonal and manual.”

DEFRA’s announcement comes in response to an independent review focused on workforce shortages in the UK food supply chain. Chaired by John Shropshire, the review provided a number of recommendations on recruitment, retention, skills and automation.

The food supply chain is worth £128b to the UK economy, and provides employment for over four million people.

Ms Lockhart added: “The Government recognises the review panel’s findings and, as a result, has extended the Seasonal Workers Scheme until 2029. The scheme currently provides 43,000 six-month visas for the horticulture sector, with a further 2,000 three-month visas available to the poultry industry. The number of visas available annually from 2025 to 2029 will be outlined in due course.”

Ms Lockhart, who is the DUP’s Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Westminster spokesperson added: “Whilst DEFRA is providing a £50m funding pot for automated technology and cutting-edge equipment, which in the long-term will reduce reliance on overseas labour, our Agriculture Minister in Northern Ireland needs to do likewise.

“Funding is crucial to help businesses advance their technology, which will help reduce reliance on intensive labour at certain times of the year. I have written to the Minister calling for such investment.”

“Until then it is vitally important that businesses have access to sufficient labour during peak harvesting seasons. Many growers in my constituency are reliant on teams of migrant workers to pick apples, soft fruits and other seasonal crops.

“Permanent and seasonal employees make a significant contribution towards maintaining food security in Northern Ireland, while providing consumers with high-quality, fresh and sustainably produced food.”