HGCA British Cereal Exports (BCE) Advisory Committee is responsible for driving forward the export promotion of UK produced cereal grain. Successful exporting of cereals has become an important factor in maintaining a vigorous and competitive UK arable sector and is likely to assume even greater importance in future. Projects are used to support exports by:
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identifying and defining the specific requirements of overseas markets in conjunction with market information;
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enhancing the exchange of information between the overseas markets and the UK;
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encouraging policies which facilitate the export of cereals from the UK;
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informing and educating UK farmers about export markets.
The Committee currently comprises 12 members, representing equally the interests of growers and dealers. These are nominated by representative bodies and appointed by the HGCA Board, plus the Deputy Chairman of HGCA nominated by the Board and the Chairman and Chief Executive of HGCA as ex officio members. Normally meeting five times a year, the Committee's main functions include defining the strategic direction for HGCA's export activity, evaluating and recommending for funding projects to support the strategy and setting and monitoring targets to be achieved from the full range of projects and activities. In addition, the Committee is expected to assist the HGCA Board in meeting corporate targets. Committee meetings are usually held in London.
Members are expected to represent the interests of their sector and to facilitate effective communication with other sectors and the overseas markets. In line with 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 and overseas markets will be taking place. Members will be invited to take a specific interest in, and to develop a sense of 'ownership' of, specific projects or activities and to participate in both inward and outward missions with representatives from overseas markets.
Appointments will be for a three year period in the first instance.
The Committee is supported by full-time staff based in London. | 
