FARMERS will fail to feed the nation successfully if migrant workers are excluded from vital jobs across the rural economy, the Country, Land and Business Association (CLA) has told MPs .

The CLA, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses told a Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee inquiry that the sector would face reduced production and growth, leading to increased food imports and prices if access to migrant labour is closed down post-Brexit.

CLA deputy president Tim Breitmeyer, who is also a farmer, said: “Farms and other rural businesses need to know that after Brexit there will still be a flexible, skilled and secure workforce so they can plan for the future and invest in their business.

“The rural economy is already at risk due to labour shortage. We need certainty that a new seasonal agricultural workers scheme will be introduced immediately and not after the UK leaves the EU.”

Mr Breitmeyer said a new scheme should allow migrants of both EU and non-EU countries to enter the UK for a set period of time and for a specific job vital to the needs of the rural economy but with no right to remain after their contract finishes.