Labour shortage threatening fruit and vegetables

Vegetable growers are being forced to either pick their own crops or mulch crops back into the ground because of a lack of workers.

There are now fears the prices of some fresh produce could sky rocket.

One of those affected, Harjit Singh of Hamilton fruit and vegetable store Vege King, says something has to be done and soon.

He said he does not care where the labour comes from or who they are, as long as they are prepared to work hard.

Mr Singh said it was a real problem which was affecting growers' livelihoods. He said asparagus and strawberries are two crops which are at threat.

- NEWSTALK ZB