Provision of the Early Bird Survey of Plantings and Planting Intentions

AHDB are looking for a tenderer to undertake a survey on behalf of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). AHDB wishes to commission research to signify the first snapshot of United Kingdom (UK) crop areas some 10-11 months ahead of official June survey data from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The data collected will be made freely and publically available by AHDB, and the information will be used to inform business planning across the arable industry. The core requirement of this survey is to generate a projected area of cereals, oilseeds and other crops for the upcoming crop year. A regional breakdown of the predominant UK crops is required, with responses covering an agreed nominal area within each region being a key requirement. The fundamental objective of the 'Early Bird Survey' (EBS) is to establish cropping changes on individual farms as a representation for the national and regional change in cropping. The results from the survey in previous years have represented a reliable indicative forecast of actual crop areas later in the year. The survey asks agronomists to submit year-on-year changes in arable crop areas in the UK to the successful tenderer. This information is derived from a combination of actual plantings and intentions (for late winter and spring plantings). This must be based on farms that haven't seen a year-on-year change in the total arable area. The AHDB is seeking the services of a suitably skilled and experienced individual/organisation to carry out an Early Bird Survey, through provision of support as set out in this tender. We are looking to secure a single supplier for this service; and while consortia bids are welcome, they must be managed by a lead supplier who will be the point of contact for the AHDB.