Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order, which comes into force on 7th March 1990, amends the Horticultural Development Council Order 1986.

The principal changes are that the Order–

(a)

includes mushrooms and trees for sale for amenity purposes in the list of products defined as being horticultural produce for the purposes of the industry and excludes grapes from that list;

(b)

extends the definition of “grower” to include mushroom growers and extends the definition of “relevant accounting year” to make provision for an assessment period for the annual charge imposed on mushroom growers;

(c)

raises the maximum rate of charge on growers, other than mushroom growers, to 0.5% from 0.25% of the value of his sales and imposes a charge on mushroom growers at a maximum rate of 7 pence per litre of mushroom spawn purchased;

(d)

increases the number of members of the Council capable of representing the interests of growers from 14 to 16; and

(e)

removes conifers and Christmas trees from the list of products defined as being horticultural produce.