Farming is one of the most well-respected and valued professions in the world, as it’s integral to the food production process and is essential for human survival. However, I think as a society we don’t give these farmers the appreciation and rewards they deserve. It’s often hard work to successfully run a farm due to it involving continuous manual labour and long hours to ensure that crops and livestock are maintained properly. There are also laws that must be followed for ethical purposes.
UK laws for farming are very interesting. There are legal requirements in place regarding certain farming activities to keep people, livestock and the environment protected. Government agencies and local authorities will conduct regular inspections on farms to ensure that the rules are followed. Expats looking to become farmers in the UK will have even more rules and regulations to follow, such as British citizenship and visa requirements.
This guide will explore expat farming in the UK and outline the laws surrounding it so that expats can run their own agriculture company or farmland. Continue reading for more information. More details can be found on the official government website.
UK Farming Laws for Expats
Visa Requirements
A seasonal worker visa allows for temporary work in agriculture, but there will still be restrictions on family members coming with you. It also limits how long you can stay in the country, as it only allows temporary work. If you’re looking to work for a farmer and not become the owner of a farm, you can apply for a Skilled Worker visa that allows non-British or Irish nationals to work in the UK for an approved employer. It’s currently the main work visa for overseas nationals in the UK.
To gain longer UK residency that allows you to work freely as a farmer, you can eventually apply for an indefinite leave to remain or British citizenship.
Scheme Operators
Farmers will need workers to help them with their day-to-day labour. They can hire seasonal workers that must be authorised by recruitment agencies to ensure that the proper worker treatment is met and the pay is sufficient. These agencies will also make sure that workers do not overstay their visa when working on the farmland.
Animal Welfare Standards
If you have a livestock farm or work in one as an expat, you must comply with the strict animal welfare laws in the UK that are under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The act:
- Requires farm owners and workers to provide suitable environments and diets for their livestock.
- Requires them to protect animals from pain, suffering, disease or injuries.
- Requires them to meet the needs of animals so that they can express normal behaviour.
- Makes it illegal to be cruel to an animal or fail to provide the right environment.
The “Five Freedoms” ensures animals have adequate food, water, shelter, space to move freely and freedom from discomfort.
Environmental Protection
Protecting the environment is an essential part of UK law when it comes to farming and agriculture. Expats who come over to work on farmland must protect the environment in multiple ways. They need to protect water quality, prevent water pollution, manage trees and woodland, reduce waste and plan proper farming applications that benefit the land. As an expat, you must learn about hedges or sites that are legally protected because of their historical importance.
Food Safety
All produce on the farm must meet strict food safety standards before they can be sent out for consumption. There are robust traceability systems in place for tracking animals from birth to slaughter, so farmers will know if they are going to meet the standards when they are used for food. Expats need to learn what animals are legal to be used for food in the UK before making the move to the country to become a farmer.
GLAA Monitoring
Expats need to be aware of the Gangmaster and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) and their monitoring protocols to ensure that they deliver greater worker welfare outcomes. A GLAA license must be obtained from an expat farmer and they must meet the required standards on health and safety, accommodation, pay, transport and training. The legal UK worker welfare standards are much stronger than most countries, so expats need to remain aware of these.
Conclusion
While the regulatory framework surrounding UK farming might appear complex, it ultimately serves to protect both the environment and those working within the agricultural sector. For expats, this system offers a unique opportunity. If you adhere to these rules and regulations as an expat in the UK, you can be part of a profitable and sustainable farming business. The UK farming industry can be competitive, but as long as you follow the laws as an expat, you should start to see success.