English Apples and Pears – changes ahead for UK growers
The EAP AGM and seminar meeting on the 17th of March gave plenty of food for thought to the assembled industry representatives writes Sarah Calcutt, Norman Collett Ltd.
Adrian Barlow began the session with a roundup of the season.
The key points were:
- Gala – the pace of planting should slow now; there is little potential for market extension left when the current areas mature. The key factor is ensuring that there is sufficient fruit to meet the multiple market as some went short this year
- Cox – This variety still needs a reduction in volume to around a maximum of 32,000t to prevent the levels of discounting seen this season.
- Braeburn – the UK crop will be 22,000 tonnes by 2012, stretching the UK marketing season to its potential of 4 months. Partnerships are required to manage what the supermarkets require going forward in order that the variety is not over planted.
- Bramley – a record 58% of volume is already sold this season (against 45% to date last year) Early predictions that there would be a shortfall have been reduced and there is potentially a short gap end of June/ early July
- Support for locally sourced product has been a golden opportunity this season with a high levels of import substitution
Also on the agenda were the changes to the Levy Boards and the Development Councils. Kevin Roberts, Chief Executive of the new Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board reported on the new structure and progress already made following the recommendations and changes from the Radcliffe review.
- The new structure will offer greater accountability for levy payers, new group structures should allow for better coordination of R&D and cross sector marketing
- Sector commodity boards were recruited in July ‘07
- The AHDB will be re-locating to Stoneleigh to the Centre of rural excellence. The predicted cost saving will be £12.7m over 5 years (8% of total annual levy budget)
Neil Bragg, HDC Chairman took questions from the floor on the impact of the levy changes. The main concern raised by attendees was belief that the new calculation of levy would mean for some growers an increase of up to 100% seemed likely. Those who long term store and who do not pack their own fruit will be disproportionately affected.
Neil confirmed that Bradbourne house would no longer house the HDC team, although top fruit professional services were be retained in the South East as it was recognised as particular to this region.
One thing that was clear from the meeting, there was a need for growers to become more actively involved in review and consultation processes.
If any grower has concerns over the levy changes, please send your comments and any financial information you have to the HDC. Andrew.Tinsley@hdc.org.uk
Phil Hudson, Chief Horticultural Advisor for the NFU spoke about the operating programme for the EU fruit and Veg. regime. There have been EU audit criticisms of the regime and with Defra in line for a £3m fine for miss-management it is vital that the new development plans are accurate and well informed on the needs of Producer Organisations.
Defra need to prepare a full SWOT on the UK fruit and Veg. sector in order to develop a working set of indicators to show PO fund improvements – improved efficiency, reduction of emissions and promotion of the sector are key points along with Technical improvements and the balance of supply and demand. With the suspension of in-year amendments on going, it is essential that growers assist the NFU is gathering a dossier of evidence on the future needs of the UK Producer Organisations. This includes any issues with RPA PO management and performance. Top Fruit organisations should be working together to formulate a broad industry strategy, although there is no formal consultation process announced yet, there is a meeting in mid April to discuss the review. If you have any comments on the RPA, or the needs of Producer Organisations please write to Phil. Philip.Hudson@nfu.org.uk |
