The Rural Payments Agency yesterday announced the outcome of the Producer Organisations recognition review process that started in August 2011 and resulted in a number of suspensions. Of 17 producer organisations (POs) suspended from the EU Fruit and Vegetable Scheme last year, nine have now been assessed as fully compliant and suspension has been lifted.

Three POS subsequently withdrew from the scheme and up to five more were facing de-recognition as the final regulatory deadline for lifting of suspension passed last week (9th August). Around 22 POs were successfully re-recognised prior to August 2011, bringing the total number of recognised POs in the UK to 31.

Sharon Ellis, External Relations Director, who led the recognition review for the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) said the RPA had been working with organisations to enable them to comply with scheme rules and achieve re-recognition.
She said, “To conclude the process, we have provided an additional level of reassurance for all parties by employing a team of external auditors to provide a robust, objective and transparent final contribution to the evidence-gathering process.

“Our aim throughout has been to protect the benefits that the scheme delivers for the horticultural industry and the British economy by putting it on a viable basis going forward. This process will help us to demonstrate to the European Commission auditors that we have taken a rigorous and consistent approach to this whole exercise.”

For the five POs that have still not achieved compliance, a decision is not expected to be announced before next week. RPA said “Decisions on late breaking evidence need to be endorsed by ministers.”

NFU chief horticulture and potatoes adviser, Hayley Campbell-Gibbons, said, “It’s excellent news that the majority of suspended POs have been successfully re-recognised, but for the five POs that have been told that they still don t meet the scheme requirements the saga continues. Their discussions with the RPA are on-going. Many will have put a lot of work into the review and will no doubt be shocked and disappointed at the outcome.”

She said the focus going forward should be on “building a PO scheme that is fit for the future,” as the UK is one of only two EU member states to show a negative trend in the number of POs in existence. Ms Campbell-Gibbons urged policy makers to devise a clear strategy to increase the formation of POs, which she said would bolster the horticulture sector.

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