by Victoria Lupascu, reporter

Farmers in Kent worry they will be left without seasonal workers after Theresa May announced that only European workers with high-skilled jobs will be prioritised. 

The National Farmers Union said the UK needs reliable workforce to ensure that British food and farming remains a successful and thriving sector. 

 NFU President Minette Batters said: “There is a risk of low productivity and low wage overlooking the crucial role farmers and growers play in rural economies as well as our largest manufacturing sector.” 

The Government has promised a new pilot scheme in order to employ migrant workers for seasonal work up to 6 months. 

Home Secretary Sajid Javid said: “I am committed to having an immigration system that reduces migration to sustainable levels, supports all industry and ensures we welcome those who benefit Britain”. 

Most farmers recognise that the pilot programme remains very small and is not without risk.  

Robert Pascall the Managing Director of the Clock House Farm in Maidstone said: “It will represent a problem if the workers do not get enough permits”. 

There is a big concern in the industry and farmers have talked to their local MPs and National Farmers Union. 

Jill Harper Marketing Manager at Mid Kent Growers in Ashford said: “Without any EU workers you will not be able to pick the fruit. 

 “The pilot scheme, which will be introduced next year, is only for a small number of people”. 

 Although many European citizens come to the United Kingdom only for seasonal work some of them have made a home here. 

 Vlad Macovei, who comes from Romania said: “Me and other EU workers, we all pay taxes like the others so with what right are they making us leave the country? 

 “I live here legally, I work full time, even if we have different jobs and some could be categorized as high-skilled ones or low-skilled ones, we all pay the same tax”. 

 The 30th year old said that if he is forced to leave the country, he will do so.