Originally established in 1965 as the Home-Grown Cereals, HGCA  is now the cereals and oilseeds sector of AHDB.  It's aims are to improve the production, the wholesomeness and marketing of UK cereals and oilseeds so as to increase their competitiveness in UK and overseas markets in a sustainable manner.

HGCA's income is derived from a statutory levy. There are different levy rates set for growers, dealers and processors.  The income derived from the levy varies yearly, fluctuating between £8M to £11M.  Defra also provide direct funding for HGCA's Market Information service.

HGCA's vision is to be essential to the arable industry and provides services for all its customers: growers, maltsters, millers, merchants, animal feed compounders, feeders of poultry, trade associations and agricultural co-operatives.

The structure of the sector company reflects the diversity of the people it provides for:

Research and Development

Recommended Lists - managed by Crop Evaluation Ltd, HGCA invests about 13% of the total levy income on producing the Recommended Lists; providing levy-payers with independent information on current wheat, barley, oilseed rape and oat varieties

Research Programme - staff commission and oversee a portfolio of research projects to protect and enhance the future sustainability, competitiveness and profitability of UK-produced cereals and oilseeds

For more information on the research funded by HGCA click here>>

Knowledge Transfer - great emphasis is placed on ensuring that the benefits from research are realised in practice and this is achieved through a comprehensive programme of events, publications and press articles

Main areas of Research Strategy

Theme 1: Sustainable markets

• Existing markets
• New markets

Theme 2: Sustainable production

• Farm management
• Improved varieties
• Crop management
• Harvesting, drying and storage

Crop Marketing Department

Market Information - economists and statisticians provide relevant, accurate and up-to-date information on the cereals and oilseeds markets

Market Development - developing new and alternative uses for UK grain through the Enterprise Awards and highlighting the importance of cereals in a balanced diet through Farmhouse Breakfast Week

British Cereals Export - working to promote UK cereals abroad and opening new marketing opportunities for UK grain by establishing and building relationships with foreign markets

Business Development

Developing new partnerships and exploring opportunities to obtain additional funding from the EU, UK government and other sources for HGCA activities serving the levy-payer.