Potato Review

www.potatoreview.com POTATO REVIEW NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022 5 NEWS GB Potatoes launched “A new Great British Potato industry organisation” W ITH the demise of AHDB Potatoes, a new voluntary initiative has been launched with the aim of bringing together all members of the potato supply chain and filling some of the service gaps left when the contentious levy-funded body was disbanded. The new industry body, GB Potatoes, will be funded through a voluntary levy which those behind its inception say is more realistic and manageable for future members, while offering them a choice and more opportunity to collaborate and benefit from cross-industry working. “Collectively the potato industry respects the outcome of the AHDB levy payer ballot but cannot afford to “look into a void” and recognises the need for a new independent industry body, to represent its interests and future development,” a statement from the organisation’s new working group reveals. “The levy payer vote demonstrated that AHDB had lost the ‘consensus’ of industry to run and manage an industry body. The group need DEFRA to recognise these failings and engage to support an acceptable alternative (not a new AHDB) which reflects the whole GB potato supply chain. We need a less bureaucratic, more inclusive, and more appropriately- funded successor that gains engagement across industry and determines what future structures and priority activities are required.” The idea for the organisation was first muted in September last year, when a group of 10 prominent potato industry stakeholders drew up proposals for the new representative body. These included Chairman of the Fresh Potato Suppliers Association Mark Taylor, Agrico UK Executive Director Archie Gibson, and Perthshire producer Euan Grewar, as well as others from across the UK. All believed a new inclusive organisation was necessary to represent the industry, commission future research and bring together all elements of the supply chain in the wake of the vote to reject the statutory AHDB levy. The group distanced themselves from the Growers’ Better Levy Group, insisting that their approach was to bring all sectors together via voluntary subscription and membership. Since then, the organisation has sought the views and opinions of as many stakeholders as possible to gauge support and decide how to proceed. Its overall mission is to bring the whole GB potato industry together and work alongside existing trade associations and industry bodies as a collective group to promote the sector’s interests. “The focus for this new organisation will be the GB potato crop but, importantly, it will maintain strong links with the horticulture sector. Our approach brings cross industry stakeholders together through a voluntary subscription on a membership basis,” the statement said. The GB Potatoes Working Group is now interested to explore the opportunity for cross industry collaboration and its vision is to bring all aspects of the GB Potato supply chain together – growers, packers, processors, seed supply, research organisations, independent advisors, trade associations and service providers - to contribute and benefit from voluntary cross-industry collaboration. “The group proposes an “over-arching” structure that provides true all sector representation with good governance and accountability. We propose that a cross industry “Governing Body” will oversee this,” the group stated, going on to add: “We are NOT re-inventing the AHDB but believe there is mutual interest in fundamental research and protecting our industry. GB Potatoes needs to demonstrate its value and continue to improve its performance and remain competitive. Action is required now – and that’s what this new organisation brings. Industry needs leadership and a plan to move things on. We believe this proposal sets that in motion. Mark Taylor, Inaugural Chair of GB Potatoes, has encouraged all those in the industry to get in touch and engage with the group so different views from across the industry could be championed. “I strongly encourage everyone to engage and get involved. The Great British Potato needs to be championed!” ➜ For more information, and to get involved, email info@gb-potatoes.co.uk . In our January edition of ‘Potato Review’ we will interviewMark Taylor and learn about his hopes for the future of the potato industry. “Collectively the potato industry respects the outcome of the AHDB levy payer ballot but cannot afford to ‘look into a void’ and recognises the need for a new independent industry body.” Mark Taylor has urged all those in the industry to engage and get involved.