Set to be implemented on 10th September, the latest Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (Smeta) standards require UK growers to bear all recruitment expenses for seasonal workers, encompassing transport and visa costs. Industry stalwarts such as the National Farmers Union (NFU), British Apples and Pears (BAPL), and British Berry Growers are advocating for a postponement of Smeta 7.0 pending a thorough consultation with stakeholders in the UK sector. They contend that the revisions have not been adequately evaluated for their impact, deeming them premature and inequitable.
"These standards are aspirational, not required by national law, and they are being rushed through," stated Ali Capper, BAPL executive chair, highlighting concerns over potential repercussions including heightened food prices, disruption in the fresh produce industry, and threats to the nation's food security. BAPL projects an increase of 4-5p per pack of apples, a cost likely to be passed onto consumers. The organization is soliciting UK retailers to defer compliance with this segment of the Smeta 7.0 audit until a Defra-funded impact analysis is finalized next year.
Grower associations are sounding the alarm on how these standards could destabilize business confidence and exacerbate the existing workforce deficit, endangering food production in the UK. They underscore the substantial audit obligations already borne by growers, with the new stipulations poised to inflate operational costs further.
Source: fpcfreshtalkdaily.co.uk