Answering oral questions in the Commons on 13 July, Immigration Minister Mike Tapp said the Government was "engaging closely with the horticulture sector" and would announce the 2027 Seasonal Worker Visa quota "in line with usual practice" but earlier than in previous years to aid farm planning. Back-bench MPs warned that late announcements force growers to gamble on staffing levels months before planting. The minister reiterated the aim of reducing agriculture’s reliance on overseas labour but acknowledged that a timely quota is vital for food security. In 2026 the cap was set at 47,000 places—25 percent of which were ring-fenced for poultry processing and ornamentals—and was not confirmed until mid-December, well after many producers had ordered seed. Recruiting-agencies say they need a six-month runway to source workers from Central Asia under the expanded Safeguarding Code. A February announcement would align with that window. The National Farmers’ Union welcomed the promise but pressed for a multi-year scheme to provide certainty through to 2030. Global mobility teams in agri-businesses should prepare contingency budgets in case the quota is reduced. Employers may also need to demonstrate increased investment in automation and domestic recruitment when applying for Certificates of Sponsorship under the seasonal scheme.
