National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has confirmed with Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle that the number of visas allocated for the 2026 Seasonal Worker Scheme (SWS) had been finalised.
Accompanied by NFU president Tom Bradshaw and NFU Horticulture and Potatoes board chair Martin Emmett on a recent farm visit, the Farming Minister heard about the “vital importance” of the 2026 SWS visa allocation for growers and farmers.
NFU labelled this as “positive news” for the poultry and horticulture sectors, which it said “now have the certainty needed” to plan for the year ahead.
“The number of SWS visas needs to remain sufficient to allow our members to continue producing food, plants and flowers for the nation.”
Tom Bradshaw, NFU president
NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “We’re pleased that the Minister has listened and confirmed the SWS 2026 visa allocation. While there has been a small reduction in numbers, we are hopeful it will still be sufficient for the year ahead.
“Seasonal workers play a vital role in ensuring the nation’s fresh fruit and vegetables reach supermarket shelves, that British plants and flowers feature in celebrations across the country, and that turkeys remain the centrepiece of the Christmas table. Without them, the horticulture and seasonal poultry sectors could not function.
“Certainty is critical for these sectors, which plan in years, not months. Looking ahead, it’s essential that we have clarity on visa allocations through to 2029. The number of SWS visas needs to remain sufficient to allow our members to continue producing food, plants and flowers for the nation.”
