Farming minister George Eustice has annoyed growers by suggesting that the unemployed should replace foreign workers on farms.
Speaking at the NFU’s conference, Mr Eustice insisted there would be no replacement for the Seasonal Workers scheme that provided 22,000 foreigners a year with temporary permits to enter Britain to harvest crops.
Instead, he said local unemployed people should be recruited for the work – or face losing their benefits.
The suggestion sparked fury among farmers, who say British jobseekers refuse to do hard manual labour and that foreign workers are vital to the industry.
South Holland growers who would like to comment on this story should contact Jean Hodge on 01775 765443 or email jean.hodge@jpress.co.uk