SGRR sought feedback on amending the Biosecurity (Response—Arable Crops Levy) Order 2023 so that levy funds can be used for readiness as well as response. The consultation period ran from 1 December 2025 to 2 March 2026.
The current Order limits spending to response only. The levy update would not change levy rates, the cap, how or where the levy is collected, or record-keeping requirements. SGRR sees this update of the levy as an opportunity for the arable sector, but as SGRR members and levy payers, we seek your feedback.
Readiness funding would support activities such as the Arable Readiness Operational Agreement, targeted readiness for high-risk arable pests, surveillance and diagnostics to enable early detection, analysis of potential incursion pathways, technical workshops and communication tools, and development of response strategies and operational plans.
This change aims to strengthen early detection and preparation, reduce future response costs, and provide a fair, consistent funding approach across biosecurity work.
You can watch our recent webinar explaining the purpose of the amendment proposal here. https://youtu.be/WSZM2Cf90a8?si=cRIJIzFTVq0ERBYU
Now that the consultation has finished, SGRR will analyse the consultation feedback and prepare a report for MPI review. The final report will be available for all our members.