Pig industry training tool, PigPro, and its dairy equivalent, DairyPro, have moved from AHDB to BASIS, the charitable organisation committed to raising professional standards across land management and food production.
PigPro was one of the initiatives dropped by AHDB, following the Shape the Future vote, as the levy body looked to cut its expenditure.
But the online tool has found a new home, as of December 4, at BASIS, which is best known for its services in the arable sector.
Membership of the online training records for the dairy and pork sectors is unaffected, with users able to log activities and enjoy the benefits as normal.
The immediate changes affecting existing members are the new contact details for both services and a change of web address for PigPro:
- Hotline number (both): 01335 210853
- DairyPro email: dairypro@basis-reg.co.uk
- PigPro email: pigpro@basis-reg.co.uk
- DairyPro website (remains the same): dairypro.co.uk
- PigPro website: pigpro.co.uk
AHDB’s AgriLeader Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager, Izak Van Heerden, said: “Following last year’s Shape the Future levy payer vote, it was clear levy payers wanted us to focus on promoting and protecting our reputation in the dairy and pork sectors at home and overseas. We had to look at what work could be delivered by others to allow us to concentrate on these priorities.
“Following a robust procurement process, we selected BASIS due to their demonstrated expertise in administering continuing professional development schemes, ensuring the best possible value for our levy payers and a seamless continuation of service.”
Dr Andy Brooks, Head of Education and Membership Services at BASIS, said: “We are delighted to be taking over the management of the pig and dairy schemes from AHDB. We have significant experience of running and administering CPD and membership schemes, both in their own right or for other organisations.
“Best known for the Professional Register of crop advisors and agronomists, we are looking forward to complementing the Register of Sheep Advisors (a joint venture with the National Sheep Association) by adding the pig and dairy schemes to our burgeoning presence in the livestock sectors.
“Ongoing professional development and training are fundamental to the future of the agricultural sector, and it is vital that businesses remain profitable and stable so that we can provide healthy, safe food for our growing population. We look forward to working with members/users over the coming months.”