Ruth Ashfield , Strategy Directorfor Horticulture at AHDB , has received the formal request for a vote from horticulture levy en masse remunerator in line with the mental process set out in statute .
The AHDB Horticulture board and workfellow at AHDB welcomed the chance for an open public debate on the important role of the levy en masse collected from grower . This funding is the spinal column of horticultural applied enquiry and evolution to address crop protection , childbed , resource use and technical innovation .
“ The body of work undertaken by AHDB for horticulture is wide - ranging and we will be using this opportunity to showcase to raise payer , and the wide industry , the note value we add and the services we offer , ” enjoin Ruth .
“ However , we take to be clear-cut this balloting is about the future of AHDB Horticulture . It is not about looking at update the path levy is collected or how the levy en masse spend is allocated . It is not about reform under the petition for opinion commitments . It is about whether AHDB will continue to provide a statutory levy - funded service to horticulture growers or not . That is the only dubiousness allow in this ballot under current ordinance .
“ All other discussion , like how we can get raiser more involved or whether there could be a voluntary levy en masse or a vote every five years on what we do , form no part of this give-and-take . ”
Ruth taper at the primal services currently offered and the ongoing contact on ameliorate efficiency and engagement for raiser . She continue positive the majority of farmers and growers trust there is a exculpated role for a levy - fund organisation , and the five reforms recently entrust to by AHDB will make it even substantial and better equip to drive the industriousness forward .
At a time when the horticulture industry faces unprecedented challenges and change , our investment funds in applied inquiry on crop protection , emergency chemical commendation and driving labour efficiency is more authoritative than ever .
Ruth added : “ We prize that not everyone likes everything we do , but most gardening businesses , particularly those who engage with us , do value the crucial grower - lead research programmes . Under the simple ballot head , triggered by the delivery of the orison today , those benefits could be lost to all .
“ We would rather work with industriousness to enhance our offering , modernize the way levy en masse is collected and keep on to work out with growers to improve efficiency and profitability in this of import sector . ”
