British Growers

AHDB Developments

Apologies for another update with AHDB in the title but January 2021 will a decisive month for the industry and AHDB Horticulture and it is important that people understand what’s happening, what the timescales are and how to influence the outcome.

AHDB Horticulture Ballot

The ballot on the future of the compulsory levy in horticulture will open on 13th January 2021 and end on 10th February 2021. The ballot will ask a simple yes/no question … Should the statutory horticulture levy continue?

Any person or business that has paid the horticulture levy within the previous 12-month period from the end of the ballot (10th February 2021) is eligible to vote. There is one vote per business, regardless of size or turnover and each business must decide who is going to cast that vote (e.g. if it is a partnership, only one person can vote). If you haven’t paid a levy in the past 12 months there is an option to pay a ‘nominal amount’ subject to agreeing a payment plan with AHDB for any outstanding levy invoice(s).

The outcome of the ballot will go to Defra Ministers for a final decision. Ministers are not bound by the result and the decision on whether or not to continue a levy rests with Ministers.

Further information on the ballot

Horticulture & Potatoes Future Statutory Levy Working Group

At the weekend the Horticulture Future Statutory Levy Working Group which comprises the following list of growers issued the following statement:

• Philip Pearson, APS Produce Ltd (Protected Edibles)
• Marion Regan, Hugh Lowe Farms (Soft fruit)
• Martin Emmett, Walberton Nursery LLP, Binsted Nursery LLP, Fleurie Nursery Limited (Ornamentals)
• Sophie Bambridge, B & C Farming Ltd (Potatoes)
• James Harrison, EG Harrison & Co. (Potatoes)
• Tom Hulme, AC Hulme & Sons (Tree Fruit)
• Martin Evans, Fresh Growers Ltd (Field Vegetables)
• John Shropshire, Cambs Farms Growers Ltd (Field Vegetables)
• Derek Wilkinson, Sandfields Farm Ltd (Field Vegetables)
• Philip Morley, British Tomato Growers’ Association / APS Produce Ltd (Protected Edibles

The Horticulture & Potatoes Future Statutory Levy Working Group has been established voluntarily by businesses from within the UK Horticulture and Potato sectors to work together for the benefit of all levy paying businesses. We believe in the fairness and value of a statutory levy and that our industry should work collaboratively to achieve market-led innovation, near market applied R&D, increased productivity and a world class sustainable industry. The Group presents considered alternatives and draws inspiration from the successful levy models established in Australia and New Zealand.

The Group is developing a workable alternative to the current model, aiming to deliver better value for money and organisational and financial transparency for levy paying businesses and would welcome engagement with and contributions to this process from other levy payers. We have been in conversation with senior members of AHDB, including Chairman Nicholas Saphir, and commend the changes he is trying to make, especially the introduction of an automatic 5 yearly ballot. It is our belief that the proposed changes need to go further and faster.

Levy payers must ‘take back control’ of their investment funds and provide the strategic leadership within a lean and agile decision-making framework. The levy organisation should work to support this.

This will be achieved through:

• Root and branch reform of the existing levy organisation for Horticulture and Potatoes
• All levies raised, budgets and costs should be transparent to levy payers, regularly scrutinised and subject to Panel and Sector Board approval
• Overhaul of the governance of the existing levy organisation which should include a review of the Radcliffe Report and the previous constitutions of HDC and a commitment to a Sector Board and Panels for Horticulture
• More focus on levy funded near market R&D, supported by leveraged funding for strategic and fundamental science
• R&D reports online should be more easily accessible to all levy payers
• Market development should be nuanced after Panel consultation and only implemented for those sectors where it is required
• Co-funding mechanisms must be introduced and encouraged to secure additional funding from the whole supply chain, government, and research bodies. This will require entrepreneurism to
leverage these funding sources to complement and magnify levy payers’ funds

Aspects which will require a change in the Statutory Instrument:

• Levy is grower ‘investment’ not public money
• The levy collection and deduction system should reflect modern practices
• Levy paying members should nominate or elect their “Board” and “Panel” representatives ensuring accountability, budget control and sound strategy. They should not be appointed
• Levy payments should receive R&D tax relief / credits in line with private investment. The outcome of the changes being proposed will be a grower-led levy body serving levy payers through
proper governance and transparency. This will deliver a world leading, investor funded service which returns significant and measurable benefits to levy paying investors in a highly challenging and fast evolving primary food and plant production landscape.

The AHDB Strategy

And finally, … the AHDB Strategy is out for consultation. Here is the link to the online response option. The closing date is 31st January 2021.

Seasonal labour

 

The Government has announced that the Seasonal Workers Permit Scheme will be expanded to 30,000 permits for the 2021 season. These permits will be in addition to those granted settled and pre-settled status.

 

The scheme will be open to workers from anywhere in the world and there will be no distinction between EU residents and residents outside the EU. the decision about where to recruit workers from will be down to the scheme operators.

 

For 2021, two new scheme operators will be appointed in addition to Pro-Force and Concordia who operated the scheme in 2020. The appointment of the two new operators should be complete by April and the industry has emphasised these new operators need to be in place as soon as possible to ensure the industry has enough workers at the start of the season.

 

Recruitment of domestic workers

 

The Government will also work with industry to build on this year’s Pick for Britain campaign and actively promote the recruitment and retention of domestic seasonal workers in 2021.

 

Review into automation

 

Alongside the Seasonal Workers Pilot, Defra will lead a review into automation in horticulture, to begin in early 2021. The review will report on ways to increase automation in the sector and meet the government’s aim of reducing the need for migrant seasonal labour.

 

Comment

 

Although the number of permits may not be high enough to meet all the demands for seasonal labour, this is a significant step forward and against a difficult political backdrop of a commitment to control the UK boarders and a significant rise in unemployment, this is a major achievement by the industry. No other sector has been granted this concession. Defra has also indicated that it will keep the situation under review as the 2021 season progresses.

 

 

Jack Ward

CEO, British Growers

 

23^rd December 2020

It is with great sadness that we announce that the ISHS International Carrot and other Apiaceae Symposium, due to be held in York 2021, will be postponed.

The event was due to take place between the 4^th and 7^th October 2021 in York, UK. However, due to the ongoing concerns surrounding Covid-19 eradication plans, the third Carrot and Apiaceae Symposium will be postponed. The organisers are working with the ISHS, sponsors and the event’s scientific committee to finalise a new date for the Symposium. The new Symposium dates will be announced shortly.

We can already confirm that the reorganised Symposium will include attendance at the British Carrot Growers Association Demonstration Day.

Details of the abstract submission timings will be released when the date is confirmed. All ticket sales will be automatically transferred to the new event date. For more information, please contact the British Growers office on 01507 602427 or Info@carrotsymposium.com

AHDB 5 Year Strategy 2021 – 2026

On Monday 7 December Published its long-awaited strategy. The full text of the document can be accessed here

The following is a brief summary of the key issues which might be of interest to the fresh produce sector.

One size doesn’t fit all

There is a recognition of the genuine differences between the challenges facing sectors and even within sectors and that levy payers’ requirements for research, marketing, exports or analysis are not the same. Therefore, levies must be set to reflect the value provided.

Modern levy system in horticulture and potatoes

AHDB has listened to industry concerns about the current levy system and during 2020 worked with growers to develop and test a more modern system. AHDB is keen to develop a levy system where future levy rates are based on what levy payers say they want done. These will vary across different horticulture crop groups.

Delivering a more efficient organisation

AHDB recognises the need to be more efficient including cutting costs and providing better value. Existing services and costs will be reviewed to determine if they can be delivered more effectively, notably staff and support costs.

Regular ballots

AHDB is committing to a regular ballot every five years to ensure the organisation is accountable and levy payers have a say on the future of the levy.

The specifics for horticulture

The strategy recognises the outlook for horticulture businesses remains challenging over the next five years, with pressure on margins and resources and an increasingly competitive environment.

The challenges are summarised as:

• Identifying management tools for existing and emerging pest, weed and disease threats
• Managing business with increasing staff costs and a shortage of skilled labour
• Managing resources to minimise environmental impacts and maximise benefits

 Marketing

There are several commitments of interest to the fresh produce sector.

• Inform tomorrow’s consumers on how their food is produced through an education partnership with the British Nutrition Foundation
• Fly the flag for British produce overseas with staff in key markets, including China
• Make the most of established export markets to grow opportunities for British produce
• Work to secure access to new markets to increase export opportunities
• Explore the potential for a new export brand to communicate the credentials of British produce overseas
• Support UK businesses to export by providing practical ‘know-how’ and local insights

 Wider non-specific issues

Future key areas of work will centre on:

 Bringing data, insight and analysis together in an easy-to-use format to help farmers, growers and supply chains make better business decisions

• Helping farming and growing businesses reduce their environmental footprint to meet future policy and consumer needs
• Investing in targeted research to tackle current and future pests, weeds and diseases
• Helping levy payers, industry and researchers share technical information and best practice through the AHDB Farm Excellence Network and skills development
• Unlocking and making the most of export opportunities to grow markets for British produce
• Promoting our industry and building the reputation of its products at home and overseas

 And finally

AHDB has published the following 5 commitments designed to influence its direction for its next 5 years.

AHDB will

1. Communicate regularly on how the levy has been spent and the benefits and engage with levy payers to determine priorities
2. Work with growers and the supply chain to design a modern levy system
3. Focus on farm performance, marketing and exports, driven by independent evidence
4. Develop a board and advisory structure that reduces both bureaucracy and costs
5. Hold a regular ballot on the future of the levy – so levy payers can express their views on the value of AHDB

Jack Ward

CEO

British Growers

 7^th December 2020

On 31^st November, George Eustice announced the Government’s plan to deliver a better, fairer farming system in England. This is a short summary of the issues which may be of interest to the fresh produce sector.

 

Full details can be accessed here.

 

On the 1^st January 2021 the agricultural transition period will start. Between 2021 and 2027, Defra

will gradually reduce and then stop untargeted Direct Payments.

 

Based on an area of 150,000 ha of production for UK horticulture the loss to the sector will be circa £35m. We know that some production land is rented in on annual cropping licenses so in practice the figure is probably less than this, but still significant.

 

By 2028, the aim is:

• a renewed agricultural sector, producing healthy food for consumption at home and abroad, where farms can be profitable and economically sustainable without subsidy.
• farming and the countryside contributing significantly to environmental goals including addressing climate change.

 

ELMS

The new Environment Land Management Scheme will be introduced through pilots and tests from 2021-2024; early roll out of some core elements of all components, particularly the Sustainable Farming Incentive from 2022 and all three components fully available from 2024.

 

Farming Incentive Scheme

Farmers and growers will be able to enter the Farming Incentive Scheme and choose which elements of the scheme they want to take part in. It will focus on soil management, integrated pest management, nutrient management and livestock management. Initially, all farmers and growers currently in receipt of the Basic Payment Scheme will be eligible.

 

Exit and New Entrants’ Scheme

From 2022, there will be an exit support scheme to help farmers who want to retire. At the same time, a new scheme will be introduced offering additional support to help new entrants into the industry.

 

Cross Compliance

Cross-compliance requirements and standards will continue until payments are delinked. Defra will then move to a new regulatory regime developed in partnership with the industry between 2021 and 2024.

 

Supply Chain Fairness

The intention is to use the powers in the Agriculture Act 2020 to address market failures that have led to farmers and growers having a weaker position in the supply chain.

Event: Preserve soils: reduce soil erosion!

Wednesday 9th December 2020

Time: 14.00-15.30

Join us to find out more about practical measures to reduce soil erosion. Our speakers are applied agriculture and horticulture researchers from the Cranfield Soil & Agrifood Institute at Cranfield University who will present the latest research and commercially-applied case studies on how to prevent small-scale and large-scale soil erosion.

Registrations are through the AHDB website.

Calling the future of the UK’s horticulture: the LSA Fellowship scheme 2021-2022 application window is now OPEN.

KEY FACTS

• 2-year Fellowship
• Exposure to all elements of the UK’s horticultural industry. Herb to Hardy Nursery Stock production. R&D to marketing
• £3,000 bursary to cover your expenses during the Fellowship
• Attend an oversees study tour
• Be part of a group of 12 Fellows, developing a close network with your peers
• Connect with key representatives from across the industry

“I have not been disappointed by my time on the LSA CT Fellowship Scheme. I’ve met some great people and learned so much from numerous different events we’ve been given the opportunity to attend in 2019. 2020 has been a challenging year for everyone, but the scheme has continued in the form of webinars and video catch ups which keep us in touch with each other and the industry. I would encourage any young person embarking on their horticultural career to apply and I’d encourage their employers to give them their full support along the way. By the end of the scheme, you’ll have a more confident, better informed and better-connected colleague on your team.”

Libby Rowland, R&D Manager, Vitacress. 2019-2021

To apply for the scheme please visit: www.lsactfellowship.org The deadline for applications is the 31^st December 2020.

Due to the Covid-19 outbreak and the consequent restrictions, the Fellowship has continued virtually. The LSA appreciate that virtual meetings, although a great substitute for face to face meetings, do not provide the same opportunities so therefore the 2021 Fellowship will not commence until July 2021.

 

The Fellowship will develop the future leaders of the commercial horticulture industry and is being supported by the National Farmers Union, British Growers Association, The Horticultural Trades Association, the Chartered Institute of Horticulture and Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board.

 

For more information on the scheme and how to apply please visit the website www.lsactfellowship.org or contact Coral Russell at British Growers on  Coral.russell@britishgrowers.org , or call: 01507 602427.

ITV and Veg Power  announced today that Eat Them To Defeat Them, the landmark advertising campaign designed to improve children’s health, has inspired a lasting  change and sales, generating £63 million in sales of vegetables nationwide across eighteen months.*

 

These newly released figures, based on Econometrics analysis of retail sales data from the campaign’s launch in February 2019 through to July 2020, equate to 517 million children’s vegetable portions, certifying the success of the healthy eating campaign since its inception almost two years ago.

 

The award-winning campaign has sparked ongoing change in shopping behaviour, having a 2-2.5% positive impact on vegetable sales during the on air advertising campaign across both 2019 and 2020, and a sustained impact on sales in the months that followed. The data enabling this analysis was donated by IRI Worldwide.

 

The 2020 campaign, which returned to TV screens in February as a media alliance between ITV, Channel 4 and Sky, reached 46 million people and 87% of households with children between four and nine. Activation across schools saw participation from 1,500 schools and 425,000 children.

 

Lauded as the biggest ever single campaign promoting vegetables in the UK, Eat Them to Defeat Them was supported by major supermarket and food brands Aldi, ASDA, Birds Eye, Co-op, Lidl, Marks and Spencer, Morrisons, Ocado, Sainsbury’s and Tesco. Most recently it was also announced as the Best Health Cause Campaign – Collaboration at the PR Week Purpose Awards, hailed as “an original and unexpected approach to a well-trodden subject that led to genuine change.”

 

Eat Them to Defeat Them takes the unique and unusual approach of agreeing with children that vegetables are evil. Not just evil, but taking over the world – and the only way to beat them is to eat them. Research in schools found 81% of teachers surveyed agreed it was more popular than other healthy eating campaigns in schools.

 

*Data compiled by Pearl Metrics, an independent analytics consultancy.

 

Eat Them to Defeat Them is now due to return for a third year in February 2021. It is part of ITV’s wider Better Health priorities to encourage 10 million people to take action in supporting their physical or mental health by 2023 and supports Veg Power’s mission to get kids across the UK to eat more veg. It was developed by advertising agency adam&eveDDB who work on the campaign pro bono. ITV, Channel 4 and Sky support the campaign as part of a £10m commitment to encouraging children to eat better and move more.

 

“Every parent knows what it’s like trying to encourage children to eat something they don’t want to eat. It’s no wonder only 1 in 5 children has the recommended daily amount of vegetables. The magic of this initiative is coming at the issue from a child’s point of view and making eating vegetables genuinely fun. We’re so grateful to all the supermarket and food brands, broadcasters and media partners that have made this campaign possible – getting over 500 million additional kids’ portions of veg into tummies across the country.” Clare Phillips, Director of Social Purpose, ITV

 

“It has never been more important for us all to eat our vegetables.  Eat Them To Defeat Them makes veggies fun, it engages kids through the buzz of a brilliant TV campaign supported by activation in stores, schools and homes across the country and amplified by a host of celebrities and supporters on social media. These hard retail sales data confirm our extensive survey data – kids are eating more veg thanks to this campaign.” Dan Parker, Chief Executive, Veg Power.

 

This year, more so than ever, the nation’s health and the wellbeing of our children have been brought into sharper focus.  IRI is proud to play a part in the Eat Them to Defeat Them campaign encouraging young people to eat more vegetables.” Dan Finke, Managing Director, IRI UK

 

Mat Goff, Joint Chief Executive Officer at adam&eveDDB who created the campaign, said: “Impact on this sort of scale requires genuine creativity and genuine partnership and it’s great to see an ever-growing coalition of partners putting their money where their veg-filled mouths are.”

Elena Cini, a PhD student at Reading University, is conducting a project investigating how different threats (e.g. agrochemicals, pests, and pathogens) may impact on the health of bees, with the supervision of Prof. Simon Potts. Her PhD is part of the PoshBee project (EU Horizon 2020), which aims to assess the exposure of bees to such threats, investigate their interactions, and create new tools to improve bee health. Participants include, among others, the BBKA and the NFU.

 

One of the main outputs of the PoshBee project will be the “Bee Health Card”, a tool under development that will give a rapid insight into the health of the beehives, assisting beekeepers with an early identification of health issues (e.g. pesticide exposure, malnutrition, diseases) and growers with even more reliable pollination services.

 

As part of her PhD work, Elena has created two surveys, one for beekeepers and another for growers, to explore whether or not they would use this tool and if there are any barriers to them doing so.

 

The surveys are anonymous, take 10-15 minutes to complete, and will remain online until the end of the year. If you feel you could help Elena with her project and complete the growers survey, please follow the link for more details.

RABI is excited to announce the appointment of the University of Exeter to conduct a once in a generation survey of farming people. After months in development, the research project, which launches early in 2021, will seek to better understand mental and physical wellbeing issues facing people in agriculture.

The research will be the largest survey ever undertaken to gain an understanding directly from farming people of the stresses they face and the impacts on their wellbeing of these challenges.

RABI has worked with a number of key stakeholders to help develop the survey including the NFU, NFU Cymru, Defra, Welsh Government, the Worshipful Company of Farmers, the National Rural Mental Health Forum, the Prince’s Countryside Fund, Farmers Weekly and Farmers Guardian. With RABI hoping to achieve 26,000 responses to the survey across England and Wales, partners across the sector will be engaged to help promote the survey as RABI hopes to reach as many farming people as possible.

“We know the farming community is facing changing and increasingly complex challenges,” said Alicia Chivers, RABI’s Chief Executive. “This research is fundamental to ensuring we really understand how these pressures impact on our people, allowing us to continue to develop really effective tools and support to enhance their wellbeing.

“Working in partnership with the Centre for Rural Research based at Exeter University and key stakeholders across our sector, we want to gather the most comprehensive, reliable information directly from farming people. The survey results will not only inform RABI’s service offering in the future, but as they will be widely published, will additionally provide the agricultural sector with an overview of the issues that the current generation of farming people are facing. We must work collectively now to ensure the right support is available for all who need it.”

The research will be led by Professor of Rural Resource Management, Matt Lobley, who has over 30 years’ experience of conducting research with farming families. His colleague Dr Rebecca Wheeler, who is also part of the research team said; “As well as establishing the health status of members of the agricultural community, for the first time this research will explore the relationship between mental health and well-being, physical health and the health of the business.”

This latest announcement is part of RABI’s evolving strategy, which saw the charity launch its confidential online wellbeing and counselling services on 19 October 2020.

Further details of the research project to follow shortly. To register your interest in sharing the survey with additional industry groups please contact Suzy Deeley, Corporate Partnership Manager at RABI – suzy.deeley@rabi.org.uk