Home Grown Cereals Authority
The Home Grown Cereals Authority (HGCA) was established by the Cereals Marketing Act 1965 (as amended) with the purpose of improving the production and marketing of cereals (and now oilseeds) grown in the UK. The HGCA's original objective was to improve the marketing of home grown cereals and this was amended in 1986 to include production, permitting the Council to fund near-market research relating to the industry. The HGCA is funded by statutory levy paid by growers, dealers and processors of cereals and by growers of oilseeds.
Further information about the HGCA can be found on their website
Because of rapid and large scale changes in the industry and policy changes at all levels (national, European and international) the HGCA commissioned a major independent review of the cereals industry in November 2003. The Review (and its resulting findings and recommendations) established the following four key areas of priority - non-food uses of cereals and oilseeds; the effectiveness of HGCA communications; cost reduction and improved efficiency along the chain and effective consultation with stakeholders. The HGCA was also included in the review of all agricultural and horticultural levy boards undertaken by Rosemary Radcliffe in 2005/2006.
Further information about the outcome of this review and developments since can be viewed here.