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The role of automation and new technology in addressing the issues of labour shortages in the food chain cannot be overstated, according to an independent report produced by a committee chaired by John Shropshire OBE, chairman of G’s Fresh Limited. However, the report warns it is vital not to underestimate the investment required, both in capital and human terms, to realise its potential.
The expert panel concluded that there is a real risk that over-reliance on the promise of technology can deflect attention from the pressing need for immediate, practical actions to address workforce challenges. It also highlighted that the cost of innovative technology is the major barrier to adoption and support is required to help the food chain to make the necessary investments.
Creating a resilient food supply
The recommendations covered recruitment, retention, skills and automation and stressed that the themes are interconnected and should not be viewed in isolation.
John Shropshire in his foreword comments: “Through collaboration and concerted efforts, we can overcome the challenges faced by the industry and create a resilient food supply chain that provides high quality and affordable food for British consumers. I trust that the findings and recommendations presented in this review will serve as a catalyst for meaningful change and support the continued growth and development of the food supply chain.”
The report has been presented to the UK Government, which issued a response today (30th June). The Farming Minister Mark Spencer had been at the Agri-TechE Innovation Hub the previous day to see emerging agri-tech aimed at improving productivity.
He says in a statement: “We’re supporting the sector to harness new opportunities through funding for the development of automatic and robotic technologies on farms, as part of our wider £270 million Farming Innovation Programme.
“Automation and robotics has huge potential to improve productivity and sustainability and by supporting some of the most promising ideas to get off the ground we are investing in a successful agriculture and horticulture industry for generations to come.”
Moonshot approach is needed to accelerate innovation
Much of the technology that could reduce reliance on workers in the food supply chain is not yet commercially available. There needs to be a moonshot approach to innovation funding to help accelerate the development of new technologies. Recommendations of the report include:
- The need for a coordinated, cross-industry approach to knowledge-sharing and promoting the adoption of automation which eliminates existing barriers and simplifies access to new technologies.
- To create a more joined-up approach to food supply chain automation across government departments.
- The Food and Drink Sector Council (FDSC) should act as the initial forum to establish the best way of bringing this project to life.
- Collaboration is needed between the government, industry, universities and research funding bodies to:
- identify opportunities for new technologies
- provide new revenue streams to target specific innovation solutions
- support the wider adoption of automation to improve food production
- resolve longer-term aspects of labour shortages
- help achieve net zero ambitions.
- The FDSC should lead in convening the key stakeholders and driving this forward
Read the report
The full report can be accessed here: Independent Review into Labour Shortages in the Food Supply Chain
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