CIHEAM Press Review

The usual influx of seasonal workers who come to harvest apples, grapes and olives in Italy has been interrupted. Travel restrictions related to COVID-19 has politicians and farmers worried that key crops will not be picked in time.

Robots set to work in the fields would be able to target pesticides to the plants that need them, in contrast to current practices, dubbed “spray and pray”, which waste 95% to 99% of pesticides and herbicides because they are blanketed across entire fields. Most of this is wasted, but it promotes resistance among pests and weeds, rendering the harsh chemicals ineffective and encouraging farmers to use more. Some pesticides used in this way are also harmful to pollinators, such as bees, and their blanket use has been banned.

Rural bodies have warned the salary thresholds considered as options for the UK’s immigration policy could make it more difficult for farms to employ seasonal workers. A report published yesterday (Tuesday, January 28) by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) ruled out implementing an Australian-style points-based system and recommended lowering the salary thresholds. It recommended a two-tier system, using points for skilled professions and a salary threshold for lower-skilled jobs. But this could make it harder for seasonal farm workers and agri-food production staff to get entry. 

"If agriculture is to continue to feed the world, it needs to become more like manufacturing, says Geoffrey Carr. Fortunately, that is already beginning to happen."