The AHDB Petitioner and potato grower, John Bratley, recently declared for PotatoBusiness.com that he and his colleagues are not involved in the new GB Potatoes initiative.

Even so, he welcomes the formation of a ‘truly’ voluntary organization.

“The AHDB Petitioners have not been involved in the new initiative, but we have always welcomed the formation of truly voluntary organizations within our industry. What we objected to was the compulsory charge of a levy based on a one-size-fits-all approach in such a diverse and competitive sector. […] Unlike several horticultural crops, there was no grower-led crop association for either seed or ware potatoes in the UK. Our understanding is that the new GB Potatoes will fulfill this role for ware crops. However, any R&D will need sufficient resources for growers to agree on a limited budget,” Bratley mentioned.

He added that the AHDB no longer had a practical relationship with the potato sector. He said also that the growers will benefit more from the voluntary R&D funding scheme, without funding irrelevant research.

“Our petition was for a vote on whether to abolish a compulsory statutory levy on potato growers (and separately on horticulture growers) and such a ballot was held. The majority of growers voted to abolish the statutory levy. Because it is a voluntary scheme, those growers who want specific R&D will be able to fund that and benefit from it, but at the same time, they will not have to fund irrelevant research. As a grower I have found input from across the supply base (e.g. ag. Chem and machinery manufacturers and distributors) to be very supportive,” he explained.

Asked how he copes with the present fertilizer, fuel, energy, seed, labor, and other farm costs, Bratley replied that the current cost escalations will have a detrimental impact on potato production ‘and therefore will affect prices in the future’.

Recently, the newly founded GB Potatoes’ declared its mission objectives. “Our approach […] brings cross-industry stakeholders together through a voluntary subscription on a membership basis”.

Simon Redden, John Bratley, and Peter Thorold have become known as the AHDB Petitioners. They are all based in South Lincolnshire and collectively grow potatoes, vegetables, and flowers across 2,025 ha of land, and 5.6 ha of glasshouses. Together they employ approximately 250 personnel and have a combined turnover of GBP20m.