What is a Producer Organisation?

We are registered as a Producer Organisation, set up under the EU Fruit and Vegetable Aid Scheme.

The scheme which started in 1996 allowed for the creation of cooperatives known as Producer Organisations which offered growers access to grant funding on a match funded basis i.e. 50% investment by the growers matched by 50% grant funding from the EU.

The amount of grant aid available to a PO was determined by the value of its produce sold.  A PO could claim funding up to 4.1% of the value of its turnover.  There are currently 32 POs in the UK.

On 12 March 2025, the UK Government confirmed that the Fruit and Vegetable Aid Scheme would close on 31 December 2025, with financial support ending on that date. No replacement scheme has been announced.

Asplins PO is democratically run by its members for the benefit of the members. The Board of Directors meet regularly to decide production, marketing, and financial strategy. The Board is supported by Julia Harris and Aga Winchester.

POs are designed to support grower collaboration and optimise production costs.  Investment by a PO can be used to fund a range of measures including:-

•     Production
•     Quality
•     Research and development
•     Training and advice
•     Crop insurance
•     Environmental actions

POs provide a collaborative marketing function enabling growers to come together to market their produce and collectively agree prices without compromising competition rules, improving their position in the supply chain.

Where retailers are looking to deal direct with growers, a PO is an ideal vehicle for providing the interface between a number of growers and a retailer without adding significantly to supply chain costs.

POs can employ professional staff to plan production, manage quality standards and communicate with buyers. The costs of these resources are shared across the grower base and part funded through the PO scheme.