Review into on-farm automation amid labour shortages

Added on 22 August 2022

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Review into on-farm automation amid labour shortages

Defra has published the results of a review exploring how the horticulture sector can make use of innovative tech such as packhouse automation, AI enabled robotics and autonomous guided vehicles.

With labour shortages affecting the sector due to the impacts of the pandemic and Brexit, the review of automation was launched to help reduce the sector's reliance on migrant workers.

The review brought together experts across horticulture and technology to understand what would be required to accelerate the development of automation technologies.

Recommendations have now been published, including establishing a consortium that brings together government and industry to drive adoption of proven technologies.

Government must also adopt a mission-led approach to fast-track new tech, and the horticulture sector should establish working groups to share novel harvest practices and consider how best to make the industry more attractive for workers.

A long-term Seasonal Workers Scheme for edible and ornamental horticulture should also be set up to help stabilise workforce pressures.