'Becoming a Champion': Video guides next generation of crop pickers

Access to affordable and quality labour is currently a challenge for UK horticulture
Access to affordable and quality labour is currently a challenge for UK horticulture

A new video which helps growers develop essential skills in the UK horticulture sector has been launched in seven different languages.

To increase productivity and reduce accidents at work, techniques and safety tips for soft fruit pickers are covered in the ‘Becoming a Champion’ video.

It has been translated into seven languages – as well as English – to meet the needs of the diverse horticultural workforce in the UK.

Available online for the first time, the video, created by the AHDB, can be used by growers as part of an induction package and shared with staff as they begin working with crops.

The video launch follows research which shows that a 20 per cent saving in labour costs becomes achievable by developing champion performers.

Grower and productivity expert, Chris Rose, said: “One of the key building blocks in achieving that performance and increased level of productivity is to provide workers with access to a simple induction programme.

“The Champion Pickers video demonstrates exactly what best practice means when harvesting valuable crops including strawberries, raspberries and blueberries, empowering workers to collectively deliver superb results.”

He added: “We need to care for our labour and our workforce in the same way as we do our crops; starting colleagues off in the business with a solid induction gives them the nutrients to support long-term commercial growth.”

Access to affordable and quality labour is currently a serious challenge for UK horticulture, and developing and retaining staff is seen as essential.

Starting out in a new job can be daunting for fruit pickers who may not only be new to the business, but also a new resident in the country.

AHDB Horticulture Knowledge Manager, Scott Raffle, said: “Once growers have attracted staff, it is important to inspire them to stay and do their best while they work.

“When workers first enter the business they generally want to do well to impress their boss and set the building blocks for a potential pay rise or a promotion in the future.

“When they have that motivation, the Becoming a Champion video provides clarity on what delivering fruit-picking-best practice means in real terms. Additionally, so that language isn’t a barrier to learning those key skills – we’ve translated the new video into different languages including Ukrainian, Polish, Romanian, Bulgarian and Russian – before the growing season gets in full swing,” he said.