To ask the Minister for the Economy (i) for his assessment of the number of job vacancies in the agri-food industry; and (ii) what steps he is taking to address this.

I recognise the importance of the agri-food sector to our economy, and how crucial it is to rural and regional development. I am aware of the labour shortages in our agri-food sector and that the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has written to the British Government on this issue.

In terms of the impact of the new immigration rules on labour supply for the sector, I have written to the Home Secretary to underline these difficulties and ask for consideration to be given to a change to the minimum salary threshold. I will continue to lobby British Government Ministers on this issue.

My officials will continue to engage with the Migration Advisory Committee and their substantive review of the Immigration Salary List, which will result in a renewed assessment of labour market conditions and the new salary thresholds.