Hugh champions fruit farming

HUGH ROBERTSON SECURES PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE ON FUTURE OF FRUIT FARMING IN THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND ON TUESDAY 10 JANUARY 2006

Hugh Robertson, the MP for Faversham and Mid Kent and Secretary of the All Party Parliamentary Fruit Group secured a debate in Parliament on a topic of vital importance to the Fruit industry in Kent. The debate addressed the future of a labour scheme, the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme (SAWS) that governs the future viability of fruit farming in this county.

Labour accounts for 40-60% of a fruit farmer’s cost base. SAWS is currently threatened by a government review into wider issues in immigration – hence the need for the debate.

The debate took place in Westminster Hall on Tuesday 10 January. More information on the debate coming soon.