Voluntary levy payments have been a major source of income for PGRO since the Organisation's inception in 1944.
Pulse Levy
Currently, on the pulse side, a levy of 85p per tonne plus VAT is collected from the trading of combining peas, field beans and lupins. With the industry funding for near market research projects, PGRO has been able to consolidate its levy from all pulse crops and it is now used to fund a wide range of variety and agronomy trials located in all the main production areas.
The allocation of funds is as approved by a panel of industry representatives. Experts are currently drawn from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), Federation of Agricultural Co-Operatives (FAC), British Society of Plant Breeders (BSPB), National Farmers' Union (NFU), the Crop Protection Association, British Edible Pulse Association (BEPA), The Arable Group (TAG) and PGRO's own senior technical staff.
Vegetable Levy
On the vegetable side, a levy of 85p per tonne plus VAT is collected from the production of vining peas, green beans and broad beans. In some cases, growers will pay two levies, notably the HDC (Horticultural Development Council) statutory levy on these crops and the PGRO voluntary levy. In such cases PGRO is seeking ways to refund any duplicated payment. These arrangements have allowed the development of integrated and centrally managed research programmes.
The allocation of funds is as approved by a panel of industry representatives. Experts are currently drawn from the British Society of Plant Breeders (BSPB), National Farmers' Union (NFU), Crop Protection Association, the United Kingdom Association of Frozen Food Producers and PGRO's own senior technical staff.
Access to Members Only information
Growers who contribute PGRO levy, levy collectors and associates are eligible to access the Members only pages of this website by applying for a password.
