Bringing the whole Great Britain (GB) potato industry together and working with the existing trade associations and industry bodies as a collective group to promote the sector’s interests are the newly founded GB Potatoes’ declared mission objectives.

“The Working Group for GB Potatoes has striven to bring the industry together to explore and develop what the industry needs following the levy payer ballots in Potatoes and Horticulture. The focus of this new organization will be the GB potato crop but, importantly, it will maintain strong links with the Horticulture sector. Our approach, as you will read below, brings cross-industry stakeholders together through a voluntary subscription on a membership basis,” according to a recent press release.

The GB Potatoes Working Group, a collective of stakeholders in the potato industry, laid together this proposal to investigate the possibility of cross-industry cooperation following the AHDB.

The potato industry as a whole respects the results of the AHDB levy payer vote, but it cannot afford to “look into a void” and is aware that it needs a new, independent industry organization to represent its interests and long-term growth.

By losing the “consensus” of the industry to lead and oversee an industry body, AHDB was made clear by the levy payer vote. The group needs DEFRA to acknowledge these shortcomings and get involved in supporting a workable replacement (not a new AHDB) that takes into account the entire 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. We have sought the views and opinions of as many stakeholders as possible from across GB potatoes to gain support and define, ‘what should come next?’. Our vision brings all aspects of the GB Potato Supply Chain together – growers, packers, processors, seed supply, research organizations, independent advisors, trade associations and service providers, etc to both 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 press document shows.

GB Potatoes is eager to collaborate with and support any organizations that advance the sector. We think we can both support and enhance their work by serving as a focal point for the entire industry. Please get in touch if you are the group leader for any of these.

“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. Whilst recognizing different views from across the industry, I strongly encourage everyone to engage and get involved. The Great British Potato needs to be championed!,” Mark Taylor, Inaugural Chair of GB Potatoes said.

GB Potatoes representatives said that they are “NOT re-inventing the AHDB”, but that they believe there is “mutual interest in fundamental research” and protecting the 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 organization brings. The industry needs leadership and a plan to move things on. We believe this proposal sets that in motion,” the press document concluded.