A report compiled for the Government's Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) reinforces the importance of seasonal migrant workers and the SAWS scheme to the horticulture sector, the NFU said.

The report, published by the University of Liverpool, provides an independent analysis and assessment of staff shortages and immigration in agriculture and finds that growers are heavily reliant on seasonal migrant workers but are finding it increasingly difficult to source this type of labour.

Richard Hirst, NFU horticulture board chairman, said: "We welcome the recognition in the report that there is a need for a SAWS-type scheme to provide the seasonal labour that horticultural businesses require and we endorse the comments that such a scheme for workers outside the 27 EU countries would bring economic and cultural advantages extending beyond the agricultural sector. We fully accept there is a balance of solutions to the demand for seasonal labour, but seasonal migrants must be a part of that balance.

"This paper provides a valuable independent analysis of the problems that are currently being faced by the sector. I hope the MAC will give it serious consideration and that it leads to an urgent review of both the size of the existing SAWS quota and a re-think by the Government towards allowing workers from outside the 27 EU countries to enter the UK under the SAWS scheme."