Agenda item

(Report by Mr K Lynes, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Mr D Cockburn, ExecutiveDirector for Strategy, Economic Development and ICT)

(Mr C Tassell Kent Chair, NFU, was also present for this item)

1.  Visit to Rumwood Green Farm

a)        In response to questions, Mr Tassell explained that the owner, Mr Sean Charles, was responsive to the demands of the supermarkets and the quantities that he produced were out of reach for the small producers.  He farmed his own land and rented other pieces of land.  He grows, picks and packs his own fruits.  He packed all year round.

b)      The farm has 550 workers, 540 of which were foreign workers. Mr Charles was asked at the visit why he did not recruit local young people and he responded that it was difficult to attract local people and he wanted people who were punctual and could do the work etc.  In response the Chairman suggested that a Certificate of Employability could be the way forward.  This would highlight local young people’s basic skills/competencies eg punctuality and communication to aid in their recruitment.

c)      Concern was expressed in what the new arrangements for the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme would mean for farmers.

d)      It was asked as to what KCC could do to boost the agricultural workforce. It was considered that young people did not feel that there was progression in farming jobs.  Questions were asked about how the jobs are advertised and whether there was enough work being carried out in schools to promote farming as a career

e)      It was suggested that schools could work with farms to raise animals for food to produce and then sell them or create a cooking school.

f)        The Chairman suggested that an Informal Member Group be set up initially to look at the implications of the Seasonal Agricultural Working Scheme for Kent (SAWS) and if necessary further work be undertaken by a Select Committee .  It was suggested that this could be widened to understand the need for the employment of foreign nationals across the board.

2.  Visit to East Malling Research

a)        The Chairman suggested that the POSC invite the Chief Executive of East Malling Research to give a presentation on the commercial value of EMR at the next meeting of the POSC as he was not available at the visit.

b)      Members expressed annoyance at Yorkshire Council’s branding as the “Garden of England”.

c)      There was general agreement that we need to better brand the Kent offer.

3.         RESOLVED that:

a)       the Chief Executive of East Malling Research be invited to the next meeting of the POSC to give a presentation on the commercial value of EMR;

b)        the Committee agreed to seek approval from the Scrutiny Board to set up a Member IMG on the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme (SAW) and if necessary, after this piece of work, propose further work be carried out by a Select Committee; and

c)        the comments and responses to Members questions and the report be noted with thanks.