Finding (seasonal) workers for horticulture and ornamental plant cultivation is not always easy. One of the options for filling the jobs is asylum seekers, according to Boerenbond, an interest group for agricultural Flanders and East Belgium.
Something which is already happening.
Heel wat (landbouw)bedrijven zijn op zoek naar arbeidskrachten. In tomatenbedrijf Den Boschkant kunnen ze rekenen op een enthousiaste ploeg asielzoekers en erkende vluchtelingen.
— Sammy Mahdi (@SammyMahdi) September 29, 2021
🙏@Boerenbond voor organisatie bezoek! pic.twitter.com/PqVA87j7fP
"Many (agricultural) companies are looking for workers. At Den Boschkant tomato farm, they can count on an enthusiastic team of asylum seekers and recognised refugees.
🙏@Boerenbond for organisation visit! pic.twitter.com/PqVA87j7fP
- Sammy Mahdi (@SammyMahdi) September 29, 2021"
Yet there are often many questions for both employer and employee. That is why Boerenbond and Fedasil are discussing the employment of asylum seekers from reception centres in agricultural sectors. Frequently asked questions are answered on the basis of a brochure for employers, available on the Boerenbond website.
Linked to this, the organisation wants to start a pilot project this spring. The pilot project with core area East Flanders (regions Eeklo, Sint-Niklaas, Beveren, Ghent) wants to connect companies and asylum seekers. In this way, asylum seekers get an idea about employment in horticulture and ornamental plant cultivation, but employers also become familiar with the procedure 'working with asylum seekers'. After an evaluation, this project will be rolled out more broadly for the entire sector.
If you are interested in working with asylum seekers on your own farm, Boerenbond calls on you to send an e-mail to Lien Tyvaert.
Source: Boerenbond