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An introductory guide to Corn Returns

What are Corn Returns

Under the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board Order 2008, buyers of more than 1,000 tonnes of UK grown cereals a year must make a written weekly return to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) showing the amount of cereal by region bought by them in the previous week, broken down by type of cereal, and the prices paid.

AHDB is required to publish an average price for each type of cereal based on information gathered from Corn Returns on a weekly, monthly and annual basis, offering the industry an independent and transparent source of ex-farm grain prices as well as an insight into volumes of grain already committed to the market.

The independent nature of Corn Returns prices also means they are used as a basis for a number of commercial grain contracts and land rent agreements.

Corn Returns are one of the oldest agricultural surveys in the world, established in 1685.

Who is liable to make weekly Corn Returns?

Under the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board Order 2008, anyone in the UK who buys more than 1000 tonnes of grain ex-farm in any year 1 July – 30 June must make a weekly Corn Return in the subsequent year. For any week where no grain is purchased, a ‘nil return’ must be submitted.

Failure to submit Corn Returns is a criminal offence under the Order.

How to make a Corn Return

Corn Returns can be submitted by post, fax or through a new online portal.
In order for AHDB to report accurate information about the previous week’s price averages and tonnages every Monday, it is important that returns for each week ending midnight Thursday are received by 9am the following Monday. Where no trading has taken place, a ‘nil return’ should be submitted.

All information submitted by way of Corn Returns is treated as confidential.
To request a Corn Returns form for postal or fax returns, please contact jennie.tanner@ahdb.org.uk or call 024 7647 8685.

Please note the Corn Returns form has been updated. If you are already making Corn Returns, you will automatically receive a new version of the form.

From 1 July 2012, AHDB is launching a new web portal to enable buyers of grain to make weekly Corn Returns easily and securely.

If you have bought the qualifying 1000 tonnes of grain up to this date you will receive a letter detailing how to access the portal and supplying a secure log-in.

How do I subscribe to receive Corn Returns information?

Corn Returns information is published by AHDB via a number of channels, free to cereals and oilseeds levy payers:

  • HGCA website: All Corn Returns prices are updated here on a weekly basis. This page can also be accessed via www.hgca.com/markets
  • HGCA/AHDB Market Report: A two page report, distributed every Monday by email or fax, providing market commentary on prices and key events affecting UK and global cereals and oilseeds markets
  • Corn Returns email: Subscribe to receive the latest prices straight to your inbox every Monday

To subscribe, email subscriptions@hgca.ahdb.org.uk or call 024 7647 8730

Contact Details 

Corn Returns fax 0247 647 8904
Postal address Corn Returns, AHDB Market Intelligence, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth CV8 2TL
Corn Returns enquiries jennie.tanner@ahdb.org.uk / 024 7647 8685

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