Blood sucking ahdb

Goweresque

Member
Location
North Wilts
In fact my side won. The question I ask is what next. I think you might find nothing is not the answer.

The vote was to keep or abolish the levy. If the abolish side win, and the levy is just reconstituted in another form ( not only that but in a manner that will inevitably mean the status quo is maintained) how is that democracy? Just because you were once head of one of these organisations you appear to consider you have the authority to tell everyone else what they must have. Well the peasants are revolting, and your type of 'We know best' attitude is rapidly being consigned to history. AHDB, Red Tractor and the NFU are all going to experience a cold wind of change in the next few years, and they aren't going to like it.
 
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Austin7

Member
The vote was to keep or abolish the levy. If the abolish side win, and the levy is just reconstituted in another form ( not only that but in a manner that will inevitably mean the status quo is maintained) how is that democracy? Just because you were once head of one of these organisations you appear to consider you have the authority to tell everyone else what they must have. Well the peasants are revolting, and your type of 'We know best' attitude is rapidly being consigned to history. AHDB, Red Tractor and the NFU are all going to experience a cold wind of change in the next few years, and they aren't going to like it.


It is always easier to hold an opinion if you ignore the facts. It must be clearly obvious from all my posts on this issue that I did not vote yes. Where we differ is what happens now. I have an opinion and the whole essence of Farmers Forum is that opinions are shared, hopefully in a civilized way. I can be as negative as anyone if I choose to ignore reality, but laying aside my anger and frustrations with those who are currently in charge, I know the reasons for originally bringing all these bodies you mention into being still exist.
 
It is always easier to hold an opinion if you ignore the facts. It must be clearly obvious from all my posts on this issue that I did not vote yes. Where we differ is what happens now. I have an opinion and the whole essence of Farmers Forum is that opinions are shared, hopefully in a civilized way. I can be as negative as anyone if I choose to ignore reality, but laying aside my anger and frustrations with those who are currently in charge, I know the reasons for originally bringing all these bodies you mention into being still exist.
Fair comment austin 7 but surely the proof is in pudding, if people thought they couldn’t manage without the ahdb wouldn’t they have voted yes, I see Jane king can’t wait to get out she wasn’t suppose to leave till October now she’s going next week , same old clap trap want to spend more time with the family.
 

An Gof

Member
Location
Cornwall
Fair comment austin 7 but surely the proof is in pudding, if people thought they couldn’t manage without the ahdb wouldn’t they have voted yes, I see Jane king can’t wait to get out she wasn’t suppose to leave till October now she’s going next week , same old clap trap want to spend more time with the family.

Im not sure you will be inspired by her stand in deputy.
 

yellowbelly

Member
Livestock Farmer
Location
N.Lincs
How did she even get that job, wasn’t she a journalist and editor of farmers weekly?
It's all 'wheels within wheels'. All these quangos or what ever they're called are mysteriously linked together - AHDB, Red Tractor, NFU, FW, etc, etc. It's one big merry-go-round, the personnel are all interchangeable.
Just look at the latest saga, Blenkiron is on the RT board and uses his FW column to defend RT. Guy Smith was no longer needed/wanted by the NFU so the gets a AHDB job and so it goes on......and on....and on.
 

ajd132

Member
Arable Farmer
Location
Suffolk
It's all 'wheels within wheels'. All these quangos or what ever they're called are mysteriously linked together - AHDB, Red Tractor, NFU, FW, etc, etc. It's one big merry-go-round, the personnel are all interchangeable.
Just look at the latest saga, Blenkiron is on the RT board and uses his FW column to defend RT. Guy Smith was no longer needed/wanted by the NFU so the gets a AHDB job and so it goes on......and on....and on.
Oh yes, I’m well aware of the merry go round. Guy got the red tractor job not Ahdb. Peter Kendal went straight from nfu to ahdb!
 
I not sure an gof there will be a stand in for Jane king, just been reading a letter from Ian potter marketing services will put it up when I get back mid morning.
 
It is always easier to hold an opinion if you ignore the facts. It must be clearly obvious from all my posts on this issue that I did not vote yes. Where we differ is what happens now. I have an opinion and the whole essence of Farmers Forum is that opinions are shared, hopefully in a civilized way. I can be as negative as anyone if I choose to ignore reality, but laying aside my anger and frustrations with those who are currently in charge, I know the reasons for originally bringing all these bodies you mention into being still exist.
Austin 7 your underlying argument seems to be what will we do when then the ahdb are gone, which after spending .5 of second giving it some thought I suddenly remembered we have managed the last 12 years without them.
 
Saphir Faces a Crisis as he is nicknamed the AHDB Undertaker

The good ship AHDB is in turmoil and looking like it could be heading for the rocks under the captaincy of Nicholas Saphir as it records its second NO vote from another levy paying sector.

The latest blow, which was no surprise, is that 66.4% of the 1196 potato growers who voted said no to the continuation of the levy. This comes only a month after an overwhelming 61% of voting Horticulture levy payers said No.

Chairman Nicolas Saphir, who took charge 12 months ago for a 3 year term, despite strong advice from his own board not to spin the outcome of the Horticulture vote chose to present it as a YES based on levy funds contributed, and got a public pasting for it, but for Horticulture levy payers it was too late. Following the Horticulture producer vote, it’s inevitable the H will have to be dropped from the name AHDB.

It's certainly not a case of business as usual at AHDB, because with two sectors heading for the scrap heap, farmers and growers surely won’t pay the levy and its questionable whether AHDB will pursue non payers. AHDB can send out the invoices, but collecting it will be extremely challenging.

George Eustice confirmed at the NFU Conference he will accept and respect the Horticulture vote as he must surely the outcome of the potato ballot. That was a bold declaration at the conference which unnerved many staff working for AHDB, many of whom are now planning to jump ship before they are pushed and as usually happens it’s the more capable staff who leave first.

Ministers now have the task of making a decision on the future of the Statutory Potato and indeed the Horticulture levy. Among the questions to be asked, are how much it will cost AHDB to relinquish its long term lease of its Stoneleigh Park tenancy at the earliest opportunity?

The Minister also stated he intends to plan dates for the other sectors to have their vote including Dairy.

Ian’s guess is if Dairy had a producer ballot today it would be a brave person who bet on the outcome. For what its worth, Ian believes AHDB Dairy and its levy should be a clear yes, particularly from the market intelligence angle. Some readers see the levy as a tax but for Dairy they do provide tools and information to help on farm decisions and progress. However, the tools are only of value if producers engage and use them.

For sure, the horticulture and potatoes No ballots potentially signal the beginning of the end for AHDB. It’s not looking good and there are now calls for heads to roll at the top as the AHDB faces a crisis.

The spotlight is really on Chairman Nicolas Saphir, who is very much in charge, despite being employed as a non-executive Chair, with more than one senior AHDB person using the words autocratic to describe his controlling, old-skool style of leadership, and others now calling him the undertaker.

Several close to the decision-making claim AHDB is a super tanker which takes time to change direction. Others say its now looking like the Titanic. For sure, if AHDB stays on its current route the rescue will be as challenging as re-floating the Titanic.

Whether this was the intention when the Minister selected Nicholas Saphir as Chairman of AHDB (note his appointment was backed by the NFU) as opposed to the recommended Judith Batchelor, I guess we will never know. Saphir claims he was parachuted in by the Minister to sort out the organisation and now some are questioning exactly what his remit was. Indeed was he sent in to be the fall guy?

The AHDB board are known to be divided and have even written a letter outlining where they believe Saphir and his methods need to change, with reports some people have been humiliated in meetings and their contributions abruptly terminated.

In addition, Ian has seen the printed minutes of the 77th AHDB Board meeting dated 24thNovember 2020, but these do not accurately reflect the meeting where several board members raised numerous concerns that the draft minutes did not reflect what had been agreed but reflected what the Chairman perhaps wanted them to agree. This was mainly with reference as to the proposed new board formation and decision making which the Chairman proposes.

The alternative unpublished minutes of that meeting state “It was agreed that a Secretary’s note would be added to the minutes noting the points raised”, but it hasn’t and the published minutes fail to mention this. This resulted in claims that the minutes do not accurately reflect discussions and reflect a personal Agenda.

Jane King CEO AHDB jumps ship 6 months early

Another fact worthy of an explanation is how come in October 2020 AHDB announced that Jane King would step down as CEO after a six-year spell at the end of September 2021 having served 12 months’ notice. It turns out she leaves next week on March 31st, 6 months early!

Was Jane given the push or has she joined others, like Tom Hind (formerly Tesco Tom) who left last September and was one of the first to hit the exit button. For sure AHDB should not pay gardening leave to Jane, but it’s a mystery as to why she is leaving 6 months early with no sign of a replacement.

Surprisingly, no permanent successor to the role of CEO has been appointed during the last 6 months and Saphir has been touting round for candidate names as have head hunters. There was very limited enthusiasm for the post before the two-levy board no votes and now anyone looking at the role will surely view it as potentially a very short-term position.

Head hunters were very open that the AHDB head count had to be reduced by around 100 people as one of the CEO’s first jobs.

That was pre the two No votes, so whilst this head count will almost certainly have increased today, many are already on the hunt for new jobs, particularly the younger ones.

So, the declared aim to “ensure a smooth transition” and handover as per the press statement announcing Jane King’s departure has hit the rocks.

Temporary stand in CEO is understood to be Ken Boyns, who is a blast from the AHDB Dairy past and is an interesting temporary promotion. He could conceivably be there until the old man sings.
 

simon w

Member
Mixed Farmer
Location
Hayling Island
Saphir Faces a Crisis as he is nicknamed the AHDB Undertaker

The good ship AHDB is in turmoil and looking like it could be heading for the rocks under the captaincy of Nicholas Saphir as it records its second NO vote from another levy paying sector.

The latest blow, which was no surprise, is that 66.4% of the 1196 potato growers who voted said no to the continuation of the levy. This comes only a month after an overwhelming 61% of voting Horticulture levy payers said No.

Chairman Nicolas Saphir, who took charge 12 months ago for a 3 year term, despite strong advice from his own board not to spin the outcome of the Horticulture vote chose to present it as a YES based on levy funds contributed, and got a public pasting for it, but for Horticulture levy payers it was too late. Following the Horticulture producer vote, it’s inevitable the H will have to be dropped from the name AHDB.

It's certainly not a case of business as usual at AHDB, because with two sectors heading for the scrap heap, farmers and growers surely won’t pay the levy and its questionable whether AHDB will pursue non payers. AHDB can send out the invoices, but collecting it will be extremely challenging.

George Eustice confirmed at the NFU Conference he will accept and respect the Horticulture vote as he must surely the outcome of the potato ballot. That was a bold declaration at the conference which unnerved many staff working for AHDB, many of whom are now planning to jump ship before they are pushed and as usually happens it’s the more capable staff who leave first.

Ministers now have the task of making a decision on the future of the Statutory Potato and indeed the Horticulture levy. Among the questions to be asked, are how much it will cost AHDB to relinquish its long term lease of its Stoneleigh Park tenancy at the earliest opportunity?

The Minister also stated he intends to plan dates for the other sectors to have their vote including Dairy.

Ian’s guess is if Dairy had a producer ballot today it would be a brave person who bet on the outcome. For what its worth, Ian believes AHDB Dairy and its levy should be a clear yes, particularly from the market intelligence angle. Some readers see the levy as a tax but for Dairy they do provide tools and information to help on farm decisions and progress. However, the tools are only of value if producers engage and use them.

For sure, the horticulture and potatoes No ballots potentially signal the beginning of the end for AHDB. It’s not looking good and there are now calls for heads to roll at the top as the AHDB faces a crisis.

The spotlight is really on Chairman Nicolas Saphir, who is very much in charge, despite being employed as a non-executive Chair, with more than one senior AHDB person using the words autocratic to describe his controlling, old-skool style of leadership, and others now calling him the undertaker.

Several close to the decision-making claim AHDB is a super tanker which takes time to change direction. Others say its now looking like the Titanic. For sure, if AHDB stays on its current route the rescue will be as challenging as re-floating the Titanic.

Whether this was the intention when the Minister selected Nicholas Saphir as Chairman of AHDB (note his appointment was backed by the NFU) as opposed to the recommended Judith Batchelor, I guess we will never know. Saphir claims he was parachuted in by the Minister to sort out the organisation and now some are questioning exactly what his remit was. Indeed was he sent in to be the fall guy?

The AHDB board are known to be divided and have even written a letter outlining where they believe Saphir and his methods need to change, with reports some people have been humiliated in meetings and their contributions abruptly terminated.

In addition, Ian has seen the printed minutes of the 77th AHDB Board meeting dated 24thNovember 2020, but these do not accurately reflect the meeting where several board members raised numerous concerns that the draft minutes did not reflect what had been agreed but reflected what the Chairman perhaps wanted them to agree. This was mainly with reference as to the proposed new board formation and decision making which the Chairman proposes.

The alternative unpublished minutes of that meeting state “It was agreed that a Secretary’s note would be added to the minutes noting the points raised”, but it hasn’t and the published minutes fail to mention this. This resulted in claims that the minutes do not accurately reflect discussions and reflect a personal Agenda.

Jane King CEO AHDB jumps ship 6 months early

Another fact worthy of an explanation is how come in October 2020 AHDB announced that Jane King would step down as CEO after a six-year spell at the end of September 2021 having served 12 months’ notice. It turns out she leaves next week on March 31st, 6 months early!

Was Jane given the push or has she joined others, like Tom Hind (formerly Tesco Tom) who left last September and was one of the first to hit the exit button. For sure AHDB should not pay gardening leave to Jane, but it’s a mystery as to why she is leaving 6 months early with no sign of a replacement.

Surprisingly, no permanent successor to the role of CEO has been appointed during the last 6 months and Saphir has been touting round for candidate names as have head hunters. There was very limited enthusiasm for the post before the two-levy board no votes and now anyone looking at the role will surely view it as potentially a very short-term position.

Head hunters were very open that the AHDB head count had to be reduced by around 100 people as one of the CEO’s first jobs.

That was pre the two No votes, so whilst this head count will almost certainly have increased today, many are already on the hunt for new jobs, particularly the younger ones.

So, the declared aim to “ensure a smooth transition” and handover as per the press statement announcing Jane King’s departure has hit the rocks.

Temporary stand in CEO is understood to be Ken Boyns, who is a blast from the AHDB Dairy past and is an interesting temporary promotion. He could conceivably be there until the old man sings.
The situation looks very bad for the ahdb particularly the management and the way they mishandled the ballots. How anyone could think it could be salvaged is beyond belief. I think there is a use for a voluntary producer organisation similar to The British Free Range Eggs which produce a monthly magazine and promote free range eggs. I am happy to pay the subscription because I see the value they provide. I hope other sectors will follow our vote now they can see what can be done and free themselves from this mill stone.
 

yellowbelly

Member
Livestock Farmer
Location
N.Lincs
Several close to the decision-making claim AHDB is a super tanker which takes time to change direction. Others say its now looking like the Titanic. For sure, if AHDB stays on its current route the rescue will be as challenging as re-floating the Titanic.
To use a more recent correlation ........................
Screenshot (17).png

In the words of Bob Dylan, "The Times They Are A Changin' "
 

Henarar

Member
Livestock Farmer
Location
Somerset
I am just getting the papers ready for red tractor inspection on Monday. What a load of rubbish how they can they say this makes our crops any better it is just a load of bits of paper. That's our next job to get rid of them.
I would far rather see the back of RT than AHDB, if you can get rid of them twill be a good job done
 

SFI - What % were you taking out of production?

  • 0 %

    Votes: 80 42.3%
  • Up to 25%

    Votes: 66 34.9%
  • 25-50%

    Votes: 30 15.9%
  • 50-75%

    Votes: 3 1.6%
  • 75-100%

    Votes: 3 1.6%
  • 100% I’ve had enough of farming!

    Votes: 7 3.7%

Red Tractor drops launch of green farming scheme amid anger from farmers

  • 1,292
  • 1
As reported in Independent


quote: “Red Tractor has confirmed it is dropping plans to launch its green farming assurance standard in April“

read the TFF thread here: https://thefarmingforum.co.uk/index.php?threads/gfc-was-to-go-ahead-now-not-going-ahead.405234/
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