John Shropshire to lead independent review into labour shortages in the food supply chain

Defra has on Wednesday announced that John Shropshire will chair the independent review into labour shortages in the food supply chain.

Shropshire is an industry veteran, who stepped down from his role as the chief executive of major horticulture producer G’s Fresh Group last year. He will be supported by an expert panel that draws in expertise from across the farming, fisheries, processing and manufacturing aspects of the supply chain.

The review will consider the challenges facing food and farming businesses to recruit and retain the labour they require and will provide recommendations for the industry and government to consider. It will encompass the roles of automation, domestic employment and migration routes.

“I want to thank John Shropshire for agreeing to lead this independent review into labour shortages in the food supply chain. His industry knowledge and experience make him an ideal candidate to chair the review,” Environment Secretary George Eustice said.

John Shropshire said: “Our farming and food supply sectors are facing multiple challenges, and labour shortages are contributing to this. This review will help us understand how we can address labour shortages and boost productivity in the food supply chain.

“I’ve worked in the horticulture industry for many years and, along with the panel of experts supporting the review, I hope we can make some clear recommendations that will have a long-term impact on reducing pressure on farmers and increasing food security.”

Defra added that the announcement builds on actions taken by the government to support farmers through the current challenges they are facing, including bringing forward direct payments to farmers to help with cashflow which are now being paid in two instalments. Additionally, the government has launched a review of ​supply chain fairness in​ the pig sector and has committed to responding to a review exploring how to fast track the development and adoption of automation across horticulture.

The expert panel include Fiona Dawson, formerly president of IGD, vice President of the Food and Drink Federation and global president of Mars Food and Multisales; Martin Ford, technical and sustainability director at Greencore UK, a leading manufacturer of convenience foods; Mark Greet, who has led Falfish (a Cornish wholesaler and processor of wild-caught fish and farmed fish), where he was a managing director until 2021; William Kendall, food entrepreneur and a director of Samworth Brothers; Dr David Llewellyn, former vice chancellor of Harper Adams University; and Helen Sisson, group technical director at 2 Sisters Food Group.

The final report of the review will be published next year.