GB Potatoes to Soon Be Functional

The website launch of a grower-led organization of sector stakeholders that aims to “defend the industry from threats and provide a flexible platform for innovation and growth” means that the efforts to fill the void left by AHDB Potatoes have progressed.

Archie Gibson, prìomh oifigear aig solaraiche sìol dearbhte Agrico UK, has been acting as a facilitator to get GB Potatoes up and running. He explained to Farmers Weekly that there had been widespread concern among growers that the end of the AHDB Potatoes levy system might be counter to the interest of the sector.

“Tha sinn ag amas air beàrn a dh’ fhaodadh a bhith ann a lìonadh le bhith a’ cruthachadh guth cliùiteach airson a’ ghnìomhachais a bhios a’ conaltradh ri oifigearan riaghaltais, luchd-poilitigs agus buidhnean comhairleachaidh saidheansail," thuirt Gibson.

Bhiodh am buidheann air a maoineachadh le tabhartasan saor-thoileach bho luchd-fàs aig bloigh de chosgais an AHDB levy. Gibson suggested that the rate would be 10GBP/ha for growers – about 80% lower than the 42.68GBP/ha levy rate paid previously to the AHDB.

The funds would be used to fight the industry’s corner with governments, coordinate research, development, and innovation, and maintain essential services such as blight and aphid monitoring which AHDB levy payers previously funded.