Potato Review

www.potatoreview.com POTATO REVIEW MAY/JUNE 2021 5 NEWS Potato exports lagging TRADE data released by HMRC until the end of February 2021 has revealed that potato exports have lagged since the UK’s EU exit transition period. In February, ware exports for both processed and fresh sectors increased from January’s figures, but werre still lower than the previous year’s figures. Whereas overall seed exports and ware imports fell substantially from January to February. However this could have also been affected by HMRC’s data collection method which changed from January 21st onwards. Monthly volumes are now assessed by customs declaration whereas previously, data was collected on physical movement. Fresh exports to the EU totalled 9.3Kt in February, up from 6.9Kt in January. Spain, Belgium, and the Irish Republic were the main destinations. Despite a rise in fresh exports from January to February, the volume exported is well below the average monthly fresh EU exports before the end of the transition period (July-December 2020). It also lags well behind previous years indicating that there could be continued issues with exports. Combined total fresh exports (EU and non- EU) totalled 9.6Kt for February, bringing the total season-to-date figures to 103.0Kt. AHDB says this is behind the five-year average for July-February by 19.8Kt. Growers welcome ‘No’ vote on AHDB Potato levy CAMPAIGNERS against the compulsory Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) levy on potatoes have welcomed the conclusive ‘no’ vote against its continuation, with 66.4% of voters opposed to the continuation of the levy. Lincolnshire potato and vegetable grower John Bratley said: “This clear vote shows that, like their colleagues in horticulture, potato growers across the UK have had enough of this expensive compulsory levy body which offers little in return and doesn’t understand the realities of the marketplace that today’s modern businesses operate in. Looking at the voting analysis published by UK Engage, these sentiments are shared by both growers and potato buyers, who also pay the levy, with businesses of almost every size, voting decisively to scrap the compulsory levy. “The results of the ballot vindicate our own polling last year which showed that most growers felt they received no benefit from AHDB and did not want to pay a levy. This discontent is not new. It has been brewing for years, but this is the first time that growers have been given a way to express their discontent with the system.” As with the horticulture vote, the results are not binding on Ministers. But given previous comments by Secretary of State George Eustice there is confidence that the result of the ballot will be honoured but anger that Defra Minister Victoria Prentis MP has said the 2021/22 levy will be collected. Ballot organisers pointed out that the potato industry is under extraordinary and unprecedented pressure from the legacy of flooding 18 months ago, and with the Covid-19 pandemic resulting in thousands of tonnes of unsold product, none of which are the fault of growers themselves and the MP’s announcement indicates a lack of sympathy. NFU response calls for fresh approach on Red Tractor standards The NFU has called for a fresh approach on Red Tractor standards. NFU Deputy President Stuart Roberts said proposed changes in a recent consultation provoked strong feelings within its membership, particularly concerning value back to the farm gate, pointing out that growers will not see deliverable benefits from the Red Tractor scheme without properly addressing some concerns. The NFU set out key principles that Red Tractor and farming sectors should use as a guide when developing standards now and in the future which it says are more meaningful for farmers, increase relevance and integrity within the food supply chain, and deliver value back to the farm. Stuart said: “We would also like to see Red Tractor aspiring to be a progressive, cost effective and flexible assurance scheme which continues to be a vital part of the UK food supply chain. It must show it is listening and provide confidence to farmers and growers that new standards are outcome focused, not just a tick box exercise.”