The NFU has welcomed the launch of the voluntary initiative of GB Potatoes this week, which should fill gaps left in the industry since the demise of AHDB Potatoes.
The mission of this new organisation is to bring the whole GB potato industry together and work with existing trade associations and industry bodies as a collective group to promote our sector’s interests.
The body says that the industry needs a less bureaucratic, more inclusive, and more appropriately funded successor to the AHDB that gains engagement across industry and determines what future structures and priorities are required.
They sought the views and opinions of as many stakeholders as possible from across GB potatoes to gain support and define “what should come next?”.
NFU Potato Forum Chair Tim Rooke said: “There have been crucial gaps left in the industry since the demise of AHDB Potatoes, such as a dedicated, sector-specific voice for the broader industry and the coordination of research and development projects, and growers have been left questioning how these will be filled.
“Some growers will therefore welcome this voluntary initiative to help address some of these gaps at this time of unprecedented challenge and uncertainty.”
GB Potatoes has the ambition to bring together all corners of the potato supply chain to collaborate and benefit from cross-industry working and will be based around a voluntary levy.
Mark Taylor has taken up the role of inaugural Chair of the organisation. He said: “Our launch couldn’t come at a more important time for the GB Potato Industry. Working as a collective group must be the way forward if we are to both understand, and then work through the current turbulent times.”
For more information on the organisation, please visit the website GB Potatoes or alternatively email info@gb-potatoes.co.uk.
Source: NFU
Photo: Credit NFU
