Without EU workers, Britain's horticulture industry would collapse, experts have warned.
Thousands of people travel to the UK each year to pick fruit and vegetables, allowing home-grown businesses to flourish, employers said, but they fear possible changes to freedom of movement for EU nationals could have a devastating effect.
People from elsewhere in the EU currently make up 7 percent - 2.15 million - of the UK workforce, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics.
Both seasonal workers, who come to the UK when crops are ready to be picked but return home out of season, and those who have graduated into permanent management positions within horticulture make a huge contribution, Dr. Chris Hartfield of the NFU said.
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