Mushroom growers’ labour shortage plight is raised by Newry & Armagh MP

The MP had recently met with local mushrooms growers to discuss their concerns and met with the Minister in London to discuss the concerns and challenges the growers raised.

Speaking from London, the MP for Newry and Armagh said, “Labour shortage is presenting a considerable threat to our mushroom sector, and this has only been exacerbated by the calamity of Brexit.

“To meet the industry’s urgent need for seasonal workers, more visas need to be issued and the entire process must be streamlined

“Equally, in order to facilitate necessary training for mushroom pickers, those workers need to be permitted to stay for longer than the current six months provided.”

The Sinn Féin MP continued, “A number of farms have had to close in recent years. If this industry is to survive, an urgent intervention is required.

“My discussions with NIO Minister Steve Baker were useful, however what we need to see now is action by the Minister to address the challenges faced.

“I will continue to liaise with the mushroom sector in the time ahead to progress this issue.”