Question 15 - DEFRA consultation on the AHDB

[Clive]

There is currently a DEFRA consultation re AHDB being carried out which ends on January 10th

Within that consultation is a VERY dangerous question that could take away levy payers right to vote, doing so removes any accountability to levy payers


This consultation is being swept under the carpet somewhat and a AHDB "how should we spend your money". consultation being pushed heavily instead ....... designed to distract IMO


So make the time to answer this consultation and pay extra seal attention to question 15 !!


link to the consultation is here - its takes about 5 mins to complete. https://consult.defra.gov.uk/ahdb-r...r/consultation/subpage.2021-08-30.5871649890/

 

[carbonfibre farmer]

This needs spreading far and wide.

 

[carbonfibre farmer]

Done

 

[Grass And Grain]

Going to do it now.

 

[Clive]

Frankly I cant believe this question is even being asked

"do we want the removal of democracy and no accountability to levy payers in the future ?"


It's clear AHBD fear a cereals vote now (which would be the end of them). If they want to secure their future then how about they start representing farmers on issues like RT that clearly matter to them ?

Ken Boynes (I know you are reading this ! ). How about that for a forward thinking AHDB strategy vs the dictatorship that is being proposed by this question ?

 

[warksfarmer]

The corruption in the AHDB, RT and NFU is unprecedented. It’s just gets worse and worse. They really do think farmers are stupid and laughing at us behind closed doors.

 

[steveR]

Thanks for the reminder @Clive . Done.

 

[graham mc]

done

 

[graham mc]

any idea the number of voters that would represent 5% ?????

 

[Grass And Grain]

I think the larger sectors such as beef/lamb or cereals should have a different approach to triggering a ballot. Easy to get 5% of horticulture, more difficult to get 5% of cereals. That said, the power of something like TFF could do it. Probably more levy payers on here than on the AHDB email list.

For the large sectors it should possibly be automatic every 4 years. Would keep AHDB trying their absolute hardest to provide value to levy payers.

 

[Clive]

I think the larger sectors such as beef/lamb or cereals should have a different approach to triggering a ballot. Easy to get 5% of horticulture, more difficult to get 5% of cereals. That said, the power of something like TFF could do it. Probably more levy payers on here than on the AHDB email list.

For the large sectors it should possibly be automatic every 4 years. Would keep AHDB trying their absolute hardest to provide value to levy payers.

Agree - why should it even take 5% to trigger a vote - a vote should happen periodically by default, Those that pay for this service have a right to say if they think it provides value for them or not

Like the commercial world - survival should depend upon results .......... so make sure you achieve !

 

[Clive]

any idea the number of voters that would represent 5% ?????

Not many at all on Oilseeds, couple of thousand on cereals IIRC

 

[Worsall]

With publicity and press, we should actively encourage as many levy payers as possible to do the consultation with specific regard to Question 15, and adding throughout in the comments spaces that it is our belief that AHDB are complicit with RT/AIC/NFU in reducing and controlling our markets.
Keep Democracy and Accountability for an organisation we pay for.

 

[Clive]

Question 15 is like giving the Tory party the option to never have to go to an election again .............. can you imagine !

 

[simon w]

It was TFF that enabled the horticulture sector to gauge growers opinions and then the potato sector, to call for the ballot. I must say this wouldn't have been possible without TFF's collective engagement with growers. no wonder AHDB are fearfull of this power. Now is the time to use it again, "Call for a ballot" and show them we mean business.

 

[graham mc]

Question 15 is like giving the Tory party the option to never have to go to an election again .............. can you imagine !

Tbf Boris would fit right in at red tractor

 

[simon w]

The AHDB are scared stiff of a ballot or they wouldn't be trying to avoid one, by going back on the promise they made to call one for all sectors before the potato ballot. Now they say it will be to ask "how we want our money spent". If they will not support their levy payers 100% then there is no other option but a "yes/no" ballot.

 

[Highland Mule]

So, how many of you have asked for a vote then? We know that plenty of you are unhappy with the status quo, but enough to actually waste a sheet of paper, and envelope and a stamp?

FWIW, I'm in Scotland, not FA, do insure with NFU but am not an SNFU member, and am quite happy with the performance of our industry bodies.

 

[ploughman1963]

So, how many of you have asked for a vote then? We know that plenty of you are unhappy with the status quo, but enough to actually waste a sheet of paper, and envelope and a stamp?

FWIW, I'm in Scotland, not FA, do insure with NFU but am not an SNFU member, and am quite happy with the performance of our industry bodies.

Isn’t it great that you can post on here that you have a view that differs from many others- that’s called democracy - and is exactly what we are in danger of handing over to those who seek to rule us

 

[Highland Mule]

Isn’t it great that you can post on here that you have a view that differs from many others- that’s called democracy - and is exactly what we are in danger of handing over to those who seek to rule us

Yes and no. Democracy isn't writing on social media, it's engaging with the actual process. Too many keyboard warriors on here whinging but seemingly not prepared to actually follow due process, IMHO.