Seasonal worker shortages felt across the globe, agricultural journalists reveal

A Covid-19 inspired video conference arranged by International Federation of Agricultural Journalists member Jane Craigie heard that nearly every major food production in the world relies on migrants from elsewhere to plant and harvest crops and that all are facing major disruption.

Spanish journalist Jesus Lopez Colmenarejo reported that the closure of borders meant that the normal flow of seasonal workers from Morocco had ceased causing worries over how intensive horticulture could carry on.

"That will affect our exports of course. Panic buying in the supermarkets has stopped now that everyone is at home. Before the outbreak farmers were protesting over poor prices by blocking roads with their tractors. Now they are being seen as national heroes,” said Mr Colmenarejo.

Eggs

Calling from Canada, Owen Roberts of the University of Guelph, said an initial shortage of eggs had made everyone realise agriculture was essential.

Kerbside collections of items as such as machinery parts was keeping farming moving but as the spring planting season approached in Ontario serious questions were being raised as to how Mexican workers would be able to reach Canada.

Mr Roberts said: “Apart from travel restrictions the berry industry is on fire in Mexico and there is plenty of work there. I cannot emphasise enough how important this labour issue is for Canada.”

The seasonal worries are different in Australia where it is early autumn with the wine harvesting season about to begin.

Backpackers

Brisbane-based Pete Lewis, formerly of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, reported a lack of the backpackers who usually flock to the farming areas at this time of year.