Visas confirmed for 2025 alongside measures to support livestock farmers 

Defra has announced a package of measures which it says will provide certainty and stability to farmers and growers in the UK’s horticulture, poultry and sheep sectors.

The Seasonal Worker visa route has been confirmed for 2025, with a total of 43,000 Seasonal Worker visas available for horticulture and 2,000 for poultry next year. 

Avian influenza outbreaks

New measures on egg and poultry labelling will also help farmers to deal with the impact of future avian influenza outbreaks, Defra added.

Currently, eggs from free-range birds can only continue to be labelled as ‘free-range’ for 16 weeks after a mandatory housing order to prevent avian influenza, has come into effect. 

Under new legislation due to be laid before parliament on 4^th November – expected to take effect in January 2025 – free-range eggs can continue to be labelled as such throughout housing measures. 

A consultation will also be carried out to determine whether or not to introduce similar measures for free-range poultry, in addition to removing the need for optional indicator certificates to accompany imported poultry meat.  

Currently, free-range poultry can only be labelled as such for 12 weeks after housing measures are introduced.

Supply chain fairness 

Finally, the government is also bringing forward legislation to mandate sheep carcase classification and price reporting, bringing the sheep sector in line with the beef and pork sectors.    

This move aims to ensure fairness across the food supply chain, to ensure producers receive a fair price for their livestock.

Supporting farmers 

Food security minister Daniel Zeichner said the Labour government recognises that food security is national security, and the importance of supporting food and farming businesses.  

“Confirming the seasonal worker visa allocation for 2025 gives growers and producers certainty, allowing them to plan ahead and secure the labour they need to grow and thrive,” he continued.

“This package of measures will also support farmers by protecting our poultry producers from the impact of avian flu outbreaks and ensuring fairness in the sheep supply chain.”

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Seasonal workers survey 

Defra has also published the results of the latest Seasonal Worker’s Survey.

The majority of respondents (91%) reported a positive experience from their time in the UK and 95% expressed a desire to return.  

The government said it will work with the industry to improve these numbers further through its farm compliance checks.

It will also work with international partners to ensure workers know what work to expect before they arrive and can avoid unnecessary costs and fees.  

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