A NATIONAL shortage of berry pickers could hit not only the farms across north east Fife which employ them, but also the communities in which they live. John Laird, of Cairnie Fruit Farm near Cupar, said changes to legislation mean farms such as his can no longer employ workers from non-EU countries.

Not only does this mean that farmers will have a shortage of seasonal labour, but the economy of towns and villages nearby will also suffer, he said. More...