West Sussex Growers’ Association (WSGA)
Executive Meeting – 30th October 2017 – Fargro
Report from John Hall (Consultant)
1. Access to the Labour Market
Access to the Labour Market remains the biggest concern for many Horticultural businesses in West Sussex, and throughout the UK.
Since Brexit, there are a number of factors contributing to the problem, including:
· Many workers from the EU say that they no longer feel welcome in the UK.
· After 2019, there is extreme uncertainty as to what rights EU citizens will have to work in the UK.
· The economies of some EU countries; for example: Poland, are showing signs of improvement; thereby leading to fewer people migrating to find work.
· The pound has fallen by approximately 10% against the euro, making it less attractive for EU nationals to work in the UK.
WSGA representatives cooperate fully with Defra and Ministers concerning continued access to the EU labour market and we take every opportunity to raise the issues with them.
We have recently submitted evidence to the Home Office - Migration Advisory Committee, discussed the issue at length with Gillian Keegan - MP for Chichester and taken part in interviews with TV, radio & the press.
Along with major lobbying groups, such as the NFU & CLA; WSGA is very concerned that Government isn’t listening to the concerns of businesses.
Following further discussions on this topic at the WSGA Executive meeting at Fargro on 30th October 2017; we will be writing to Michael Gove (Defra Minister) restating our concerns.
2. Improvements to the A27
a) A27 - Chichester:
We have continued to stay engaged with the debate concerning proposed improvements to the A27 at Chichester and have attended many meetings with Louise Goldsmith (Leader WSCC), Gillian Keegan (MP Chichester), Tony Dignum (Leader Chichester) and other key representatives of communities and businesses.
Following the refusal of Highways England and the Transport Minister to agree to a further extension of time for the current consultation, and with the Build a Better A27 (BABA27) group unable to agree on a preferred option; it has been decided by WSCC to withdraw from the current RIS1 scheme and to enter discussions for the development to be included in the RIS2 scheme.
This will allow time for an independent consultant to be engaged and to report on their findings and recommendations to the BABA27 group and to Highways England. If accepted into the RIS2 scheme; the scheme delivery period would be between 2020 to 2025.
b) A27 - Arundel:
The consultation process for improvements to the A27 at Arundel is now underway. WSGA has made a submission to Highways England, stating our preference for Option 3, which is the old blue/pink option.
c) A27 – Worthing & Lancing:
Local MPs and Councils have decided that the present proposals by Highways England for improvements to the A27 at Worthing & Lancing are completely inadequate.
3. Coast to Capital (C2C)
Members should consider if they are eligible for any of the grant schemes managed through C2C such as: EAFRD & LEADER. EAFRD grant schemes include:
· Business Development (Infrastructure/Capital):
· Rural Tourism (Infrastructure/Capital):
· Food & Drink (Infrastructure/Capital)
Information:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rdpe-growth-programme
William White (NFU) and I attended the C2C Partnership Board on to discuss the new Strategic Plan. Four of the key issues that the C2C Board has identified are:
· Ageing Population
· Brexit
· Digital disruption to the economy
· C2C relationship with London
4. NFU Horticultural Board SE
On 28th September, William White (NFU) and I attended the NFU Horticultural Board SE held at L J Betts, Church Farm, Offham, West Malling, Kent.
As well as a very interesting site visit; current issues affecting the Horticultural Industry; including, access to the EU labour market and other issues around Brexit were discussed.
5. James Hutton Institute
On 10th October, WSGA was pleased to welcome a visit from members of the James Hutton Institute: Fergus Mc Kenzie, Donna Cumming and Phil Gane.
Our thanks again to the Directors of Tangmere Airfield Nurseries and Madestein UK for hosting our visitors on their nurseries. After lunch at the offices of Growtrain, a round table discussion was held with a group of WSGA members concerning development plans at the Institute and R&D needs of the Industry in general.
6. Website
The website has been redeveloped to provide an improved resource for members and stakeholders. Further improvements could be made, with the addition of video clips, showing the wide range of crops and technologies in WSGA members businesses. This will be discussed at future meetings. www.wsga.co.uk
7. Autumn Dinner – 24th November 2017
Plans and arrangements for the WSGA Autumn Dinner to be held on the 24th November at the Vicars’ Hall, Chichester, are well advanced. Gillian Keegan MP for Chichester has accepted our invitation to be the Guest Speaker.
8. Upcoming Events & Meetings – 2017
· 30th October – WSGA Executive Meeting – Fargro
· 8th November – Grow Show South – Roundstone Nursery
· 16th November – Coastal West Sussex Partnership/Southern Water – Worthing
· 21st November – RHS Wisley – PHD Symposium – Wisley
· 23rd November – Visit to WSGA from Vice Chancellor of University of Chichester
· 24th November – Autumn Dinner – The Vicar’s Hall, Chichester
· 4th December – WSGA Executive Meeting – Fargro
· 7th December – Portsmouth Water – Customer Challenge Group
· 8th December – Environment Agency – Worthing
John Hall – 30th October 2017
www.wsga.co.uk
07788 107915
01243 587385