Levy

Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board.We have no choice but to pay a levy of 0.5% of our turnover for the research they do.As horticulturalists we have felt for years that we get very little value from the AHDB.For  a few years members(No choice but to be in it legally ) have pushed for a vote on the continuation of the levy and at last we have one.In the pic is the brochure telling us how great they are and how much they do for the industry.It is very underwhelming.They have not had my vote.

Research is vital but it has to be done by people who at the very least have some experience of the industry.Like nearly all academics I have met they know an awful lot about very little and very little about anything else or about putting it into practice.

Many years ago we had ADAS with local officers and advisers.These people may have only had a degree in a related subject but they went out onto nurseries and over the years built up a depth of knowledge that was invaluable and respected.In my early years in the industry I learnt a lot from  them.

Heavy rain all last night and for most of today.Hard frost forecast.