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Market Development Advisory Committee - Terms of Reference

Market Development Advisory Committee
Remit and description of Members' responsibilities

HGCA Market Development (MD) Advisory Committee is responsible for stimulating substantive increases in the consumption of UK grain by cost-effective promotion of grain-containing products into existing and new markets.  Successful inclusion of UK grain in processed products makes a significant financial contribution to the UK arable sector and the economy as a whole, with cereal-based exports worth over £4.7bn a year at present.  Projects are used to support grain-based products by:

  • promoting the nutritional benefits of cereals and oilseeds in the diet, including educational activities aimed at teachers and children
  • promoting the role of industrial uses for cereals and oilseeds
  • working with UK processors to stimulate the development of new markets for UK grain, both in the food & drink and industrial uses sectors eg biofuels 

The Committee currently comprises 9 members representing the diversity of the levy payers.  Some of these are nominated by representative bodies and appointed by the HGCA Board, while some grower positions are advertised.  The Committee also has a Board representative and the Chairman and Chief Executive of HGCA are ex officio members.

Normally meeting three times a year, the Committee's main function is to define the strategic direction for HGCA's support for processed grain products.  This is done by first, stimulating, evaluating and recommending funding for projects to support the strategy.  Second, monitoring and evaluating project performance against agreed milestones for achievement and budget; an important role for the Committee.  In addition, the Committee is expected to assist the HGCA Board in meeting corporate targets.  Committee meetings are either held in London, Stoneleigh or in processing companies' premises throughout the UK.

Members are expected to represent the interests of their sector and to facilitate effective communication with their own and other sectors and organisations involved with processed grain products. 

In line with the Government's policy on openness, and to avoid any conflict of interest, members will be requested to complete a 'declaration of interests' form each year and in addition, are expected to declare any conflict of interest during committee meetings.

The strongly interactive philosophy of HGCA means that, at any one time, numerous discussions between different sectors of the industry will be taking place.  Members will be invited to take a specific interest in and develop a sense of ownership of specific processing projects and to support these activities with visits to relevant locations.

Appointments will be for a three-year period in the first instance.

The Committee is supported by full-time staff.

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