Millions of daffodil stems are at risk of rotting in the fields this spring as growers face a critical labour shortage, exacerbated by Brexit and Covid-19 restrictions. The UK's £100m daffodil industry, centred in Cornwall, could collapse if more workers are not found.
James Hosking of Fentongollan Farm near Truro said the situation is 'very grim', with some growers expecting up to 75% of their crop to go unpicked. Many smaller growers plan to stop growing daffodils entirely, as attempts to recruit local workers have failed.
Cornwall produces about 80% of the world's daffodils, requiring around 2,500 seasonal workers to pick over a billion stems. Historically reliant on Eastern European labour, the end of free movement and Covid restrictions led to 275 million stems left unpicked in 2021. This season looks even more challenging.
Alex Newey of Varfell Farms in Penzance expects to pick only a quarter of his crop due to a lack of pickers. Despite wages of up to £30 per hour, outdoor work in all weathers is unattractive to locals. A recent open day at Varfell attracted only four people.
The government has promised to extend the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme to include non-edible crops, but no formal announcement has been made. With picking due to start in two weeks, growers say immediate action is needed. 'We've heard promises before,' said Hosking. 'We're still waiting.'
