AHDB will approach ministers to consider using leftover potato tax revenues to assist seven sector initiatives via a grant to GB Potatoes.

The suggestion was issued by the AHDB board following the closure of levy-payer operations in the sector, and it is backed by the major potato membership groups. All AHDB grants are subject to Ministerial approval.

The seven proposed projects are the Potato Blight Project, Aphid Monitoring Project, Management Tools to Tackle Viruses Project, Reputational Management Project, Bridging Information Gap Project, CIPC Residue Monitoring Project, Updating Nutrient Management (RB209) Project.

The Potato Blight Project is addressing the significant threat of potato blight, by monitoring genetic changes and fungicide sensitivity. The Aphid Monitoring Project supports national aphid monitoring, providing industry-wide data for decision-making. Management Tools to Tackle Viruses Project – this project proposes joining Horticulture Crop Protection (HCP) on behalf of the seed sector to access essential functions for sustaining high-grade seed production. The Reputational Management Project is safeguarding the industry’s reputation through strategic monitoring, proactive crisis management, centralized coordination, influencer engagement, and media outreach. Bridging Information Gap Project – provision of transparent and reliable data on potato cultivation, varieties, and national yield. CIPC Residue Monitoring Project – to support the industry by providing data to the Chemical Regulation Division (CRD) to assess chlorpropham (CIPC) residues in stores. Failure to submit data risks rendering stores with a CIPC history unusable. Updating Nutrient Management (RB209) Project – with the industry always looking to move forward and adopt new practices there is a need to ensure revision of fertilizer recommendations reflects current technologies

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU), NFU Scotland, NFU Cymru, the British Potato Trade Association, the Fresh Potato Supplier Association, and the Potato Processors’ Association have all expressed their support for the idea in writing.

Following the sale of the AHDB Potatoes’ Sutton Bridge Experimental Unit, AHDB holds circa GBP1.8m of potato reserves, GBP400,000 of which needs to be set aside to cover any potential residual liabilities.

The grant is proposed to be tapered over three to five years, reducing each year as GB Potatoes increases its flow of voluntary industry funding. If approved, it will comprise GBP1.372m over the first three years.

The grant for years four and five could total GBP426,200, but this would be dependent on a successful review and the availability of sufficient potato funds from the residual liabilities set aside.

The next steps will be to submit a grant proposal and AHDB board recommendation to Ministers for their consideration.

“In reaching its recommendation to the minister, the board carefully considered a range of options for potato sector funds. The GB Potatoes proposals have wide written support from all the main industry membership trade organizations and also meet the AHDB Board’s legal obligation to use levy funds to benefit the sector. Grant funding would guarantee support in key areas of industry need over the next few years and give the industry the best chance to develop a self-sustaining voluntary funding model into the future,” Graham Wilkinson, AHDB Chief Executive, said.

Scott Walker, GB Potatoes Chief Executive, added that recent years have witnessed a marked downturn in both seed and ware potato production due to escalating costs and the substantial risks undertaken by growers.

“In response to these challenges, GB Potatoes has been established to promote cooperation throughout the potato supply chain. Our proposed initiatives are designed to confront industry obstacles, nurturing resilience, and are for the benefit of the entire supply chain. To provide oversight, on project implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, we will establish an industry advisory committee comprising industry stakeholders to work with GB Potatoes to ensure that all growers benefit from the residual levy funds,” Walker concluded.