A shortage of farm workers in Oxfordshire could potentially increase food prices and risk food security, according to new data.

In a survey carried out by Britain’s biggest dairy company Arla Foods more than half of Britain’s dairy farmers surveyed (56 per cent) said it was harder than ever to recruit, while fully 86 per cent of farmers with vacancies said that they have had very few or no applicants with the right skills.

The biggest challenges are attracting qualified people with the correct skillsets for the modern manufacturing environment, as well as attracting more women and younger people into the industry.

READ MORE: Train delays after line blocked due to incident

The advancement of technology finding workers with expertise and experience of automation expertise is also a growing issue.

The co-operative's survey of its 2,000- plus farmer owners, found that on average farmers are paying staff 27 per cent more than they were at the end of 2019, before the pandemic and the end of free movement of people from the EU.

This is placing pressure on the cost of food.

One in 12 farmers (8.5 per cent) reported that they are reducing their output due to labour shortages compared to 2023. Looking forward, 16 per cent of them said that without changes they will consider leaving farming altogether.

Arla farmer David Christensen said: “For farmers across the country, this has been a problem for a number of years, and it is getting worse.

"We need schools, parents and careers advisors all to recognise the benefits of working in the food and farming sector and to share them with young people because in the end it is people who will deliver a thriving food and farming sector that feeds the nation and contributes to the growth of our economy.”

READ MORE: Man, 39, found dead in Oxfordshire village - inquest 

Arla Foods has set out a list of asks for government, including simplifying its own paperwork, supporting skills development and up-to-date portable qualifications, and accelerating investments in technology to underpin automation on farm.

Arla has written to the Environment Secretary and the prime minister to invite them to back its proposals.

Bas Padberg, managing director at Arla Foods, said: “If we want our farmers to continue to put food on the table in millions of homes around the country they need help.

"We’re calling on the government and industry to work together to bring people into our exciting sector, and then to give them the skills and equipment they need to be fully productive.

"What ministers have said already about driving growth and supporting training is positive -  we now need to go further and faster.”