Nick Marston, chair of British Berry Growers, has raised significant concerns about proposed changes to the Supplier Ethical Data Exchange (Sedex) audit regime, SMETA 7.0. These changes could require farming and growing businesses to cover the recruitment and transportation costs for seasonal workers under the “employer pays principle.”
Marston points out that British berry growers depend on thousands of seasonal workers each year to harvest berries and maintain farms. The new SMETA 7.0 auditing requirements could impose an additional £60 million annually on the industry, a cost he deems unsustainable and potentially devastating to the berry sector.
He criticizes the implementation of these requirements without proper consultation and ahead of an impact assessment by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Defra, which is due in Spring 2025. The lack of clarity on how the supply chain will absorb these costs raises concerns that growers may be forced to bear expenses they cannot afford.
Marston warns that the new standard, if introduced without adequate consultation across the supply chain, could lead to significant disruption and stress within the berry industry.
Representing British Berry Growers, Marston calls for several key actions:
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Removal of the requirement for employers to cover travel and visa costs from the SEDEX 7.0 audit.
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Assurance from the British Retail Consortium that no penalties will be imposed on suppliers who fail to meet the new targets.
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A fair consultation process involving all stakeholders to consider the full implications of the new requirements.
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Incorporation of a separate cost line within retailer pricing to account for the costs associated with the Employer Pays Principle and other standards.