Levy rates rise for pea and bean growers

Growers of combinable peas, beans or vining peas will have to pay a higher levy from next year, the Processors and Growers Research Organisation has announced.

Levy rates for peas and beans will rise from £0.75/t to £0.85/t next year and 2011, while the vining pea and broad/green bean levy will increase 20p to £0.85/t.

“Overall pulse production in the UK is now recovering from its all-time low in 2007, but PGRO levy income has inevitably suffered as a result,” said Salvador Potter, PGRO chief executive. “It has been two years since the last increase.”

Levy income covered less than 30% of PGRO’s operating costs in 2008 and the increase was essential to fund future research work and advice, he said.

“Pulse crops are making a strong comeback, and there is ever more demand for services that support our members, including access to some of the best legume agronomists in the business. At the same time we must look to the future with research into new areas and more investment in knowledge transfer.”