Businesses in the pulse sector are to benefit from stronger, united representation as Pulses UK announces that it will become part of the UK’s leading agri-supply trade association, the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC).
Pulses UK represents the processors and users of British-produced pulse crops, including peas and beans, and has more than 40 Member businesses and organisations.
In early March, Pulses UK Members voted overwhelmingly in favour of proposals for their trade body to join AIC.
Last week the AIC Board ratified this decision, with work to integrate Pulses UK with AIC expected to conclude in the summer.
Robert Sheasby, AIC Chief Executive, said: “I welcome the decision of Pulses UK and its Members to join AIC, the UK’s leading voice for businesses in the agri-supply industry.
“Since it was formed of three separate industry trade associations in 2003, AIC’s influence and expertise has grown significantly as we work in support of modern, sustainable, commercial agriculture.
“Two decades on, it is fitting that another trade association will now join the Confederation, enhancing the benefits of having a strong, united voice for all Member businesses as well as wider UK agriculture.
“Pulses not only play a key role in helping realise the environmental ambitions of policymakers, they are also a healthy, high-protein product grown throughout the UK as part of sustainable food systems.
“The interests of Pulses UK Members will be well represented across the five policy sectors of AIC – Animal Feed, Arable Marketing, Crop Protection and Agronomy, Fertiliser and Seed – and I look forward to seeing the additional value that this will bring for all in the agri-supply industry.”
Michael Shuldham, President of Pulses UK, said: “I am delighted that Pulses UK will become part of AIC, a move which I am certain will best serve the interests of Member businesses in the years to come.
“Working as an integral part of AIC offers clear strategic advantages as our sector faces some major challenges, most pressingly the consequences of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and diminishing crop protection options.
“This is why it is the right time to strengthen our hand by joining AIC to make a compelling case for sustainable pulse crop production as demand for home-grown protein rises.
“I would like to thank Pulses UK Members for their engagement and support as we work to strengthen and unite our sector’s voice.”
