SAWS for all seasons

Production of fruit and vegetables requires a significant input of labour, especially at particular times of the year. Where there is a shortage of local workers at peak periods, growers can employ foreign students under the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme (SAWS). Through SAWS, students can visit N Ireland from various countries outside the EU and provide a source of much needed labour across a number of enterprises.

Growers appreciate the impact that these students make to their businesses in those jobs that require a number of skills. Students can be employed in key output areas of work including propagation, planting, harvesting and grading of fruit and vegetables. One grower, Trevor Gabbie of Comber found that having students made a significant difference to the efficiency of his operation and to the quality of his end product.

Trevor produces approximately 18 million young vegetable transplants for sale to other growers. "My customers demand prompt delivery and top quality" says Trevor, "so I strive to maintain high levels of plant health and uniformity and to deliver exactly what the customer wants on the date they need it."

Trevor’s business involves transportation of a large number of module trays every week. The trays are seeded, placed in a germination cabinet for a few days and then are moved to the glasshouse. Prior to despatch to the customer, the trays must be moved outside to harden off. "Having the SAWS students was a big benefit - it meant that all the key jobs were carried out at the right time. I found them hard working and reliable, and the plants they helped to produce were of the quality I required."

The students Trevor employed were from Moldavia. As well as earning money to pursue their studies and travel, they had the chance to practise their English and to learn more about Northern Ireland during their visit.

SAWS permits eligible workers to remain for up to six months and students can come at any time of the year. They are a valuable addition to the temporary labour force available to Northern Ireland growers. The Scheme has been widened to include all types of agricultural work including animals, potatoes and cereals. 30 growers took advantage of the Scheme in 2003, employing approximately 200 students from various countries in Eastern Europe. Trevor’s students, along with others from Latvia, Estonia, Poland and Lithuania, really enjoyed their time in N Ireland and some have expressed a desire to return in 2004.

Information on SAWS, including how to register as an employer within the Scheme, can be found on the following website: www.workpermits.gov.uk or by contacting Joan Hamilton at Greenmount Campus, College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise, Telephone 028 9442 6683, or by E-mail address joan.hamilton@dardni.gov.uk