27 November 2009

2 minute read

Europe

Speaking on his farm Mr Picken said: “Over the past two years Scottish growers have experienced roller-coaster prices. Many failed to get maximum benefit when prices hit 10-year highs in 2007. Many also then chose not to lock into contracts at that time that might have guaranteed higher prices when the market fell back in the following year.

“Growers have to plan well ahead to try to provide customers with the crop varieties they need in the quantities required. They can’t do that without good market information. They also need to know how to use available risk management tools to protect themselves from unexpected market swings.

“Luckily there is a way for them to get that information - and that is through the HGCA. Growers need to take advantage of what they have invested through their levy contributions by regularly accessing the HGCA’s excellent website. They also have an opportunity next Tuesday to be brought up to date in person at the HGCA’s first, (and hopefully annual) Scottish Outlook Conference - taking place at the Huntingtower Hotel near Perth.

“The HGCA has organised an excellent group of speakers on subjects of great importance to growers. Time is however running out for Scottish growers to register to come to the conference. They need to contact the HGCA by end of today (27 November) to secure a place.

“I urge every grower who can to come to the Conference. With the ground remaining far too wet to get on with field work this is an ideal opportunity to concentrate on the vital, but often ignored other half of our work, marketing the crops that we work so hard to produce.”

TheCattleSite News Desk