Conditions of Sale

The customer's attention is drawn in particular to the provisions of clause 9.

1. INTERPRETATION

1.1 Definitions. In these Conditions, the following definitions apply:

1.2 Construction. In these Conditions, the following rules apply:

1. A personincludes a natural person, corporate or unincorporated body (whether or not having separate legal personality).

2. A reference to a party includes its personal representatives, successors or permitted assigns.

3. A reference to a statute or statutory provision is a reference to such statute or provision as amended or re-enacted. A reference to a statute or statutory provision includes any subordinate legislation made under that statute or statutory provision, as amended or re-enacted.

4. Any phrase introduced by the termsincluding, include, in particular or any similar expression shall be construed as illustrative and shall not limit the sense of the words preceding those terms.

5. A reference to writing or written includes faxes and e-mails.

2. BASIS OF CONTRACT

2.1 These Conditions apply to the Contract to the exclusion of any other terms that the Customer seeks to impose or incorporate, or which are implied by trade, custom, practice or course of dealing.

2.2 The Order constitutes an offer by the Customer to purchase the Goods in accordance with these Conditions. The Customer is responsible for ensuring that the terms of the Order are complete and accurate, including but not limited to be ensuring that the correct names, quantities and product codes/barcodes are provided.

2.3 The Order shall only be deemed to be accepted when the Supplier takes active steps to fulfil the Order, at which point the Contract shall come into existence. All Orders shall be subject to availability and the Supplier may reject the Order without giving a reason.

2.4 The Contract constitutes the entire agreement between the parties. The Customer acknowledges that it has not relied on any statement, promise, representation, assurance or warranty made or given by or on behalf of the Supplier which is not set out in the Contract and any samples, drawings, descriptive matter, or advertising produced by the Supplier and any descriptions or illustrations contained in the Supplier's catalogues, brochures and or on its website (including but not limited to in relation to varietal characteristics or periods of maturity) are produced for the sole purpose of giving an approximate idea of the Goods described in them. They shall not form part of the Contract or have any contractual force.

2.5 A quotation for the Goods given by the Supplier shall not constitute an offer. A quotation shall only be valid for the period stated in the quotation or otherwise communicated by the Supplier to the Customer (including verbally).

3. GOODS

3.1 The Goods are formally described on the delivery note.

3.2 The Customer acknowledges and accepts that the Goods are natural products and may constitute a living organism, therefore, colours, shapes and sizes will vary as against any description, images, illustrations, samples and/or other advertisements relating to the Goods and as between the Goods themselves, and the Goods will perform differently according to their environment, therefore the Supplier makes no warranty as to the nature, size or appearance of any plant grown from the Goods (where appropriate).

3.3 Upon Delivery of the Goods, due to their nature, the Customer shall be responsible for:

1. carefully checking (as far as possible) that the Customer has been supplied with the correct Goods before making use of them;

2. handling and transporting the Goods and with all care and delicacy required;

3. storing the Goods in appropriate conditions (including but not limited to ensuring that the Goods are kept at the optimum climate and humidity and that no inappropriate fertilizer, chemical and/or cultural treatment is applied to the Goods);

4. keeping the Goods in a healthy condition and free from disease and pests, including but not limited to by using the appropriate treatments at the appropriate strength and with the appropriate frequency,

In all cases the Customer must comply with its obligations listed above at clause 3.3(a) – (d) in accordance with any instructions issued by the Supplier (including on the Goods themselves) or where no such instructions are provided or they are limited in scope, in accordance with good industry practice.

3.4 Other than in relation to the Permitted Seeds, all Goods which consist (in whole or in part) of seeds are sold by the Supplier for the production of consumer crops ("Permitted Purpose") and not for further propagation and the Customer shall indemnify the Supplier for all loss, damage, liabilities, expenses (including but not limited to any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profit, loss of reputation and all interest, penalties and legal costs (calculated on a full indemnity basis) and all other reasonable professional costs and expenses) suffered or incurred by the Supplier arising out of or in connection with:

1. any use of the Goods by the Customer other than in accordance with the Permitted Purpose;

2. any claim made against the Supplier by any third party arising out of or in connection with any breach by the Customer of clause 3.3 and/or any use of the Goods by the Customer otherwise than in accordance with the Permitted Purpose.

4. DELIVERY

4.1 The Supplier shall ensure that each delivery of the Goods is accompanied by a delivery note which shows the date of the Order, all relevant Customer and Supplier reference numbers, the type and quantity of the Goods (including the code number of the Goods, where applicable), special instructions as to the storage (including planting conditions), maintenance, feeding, handling and protection against disease and pests of the Goods (if any) and, if the Order is being delivered by instalments, the outstanding balance of Goods remaining to be delivered;

4.2 The Supplier shall deliver the Goods to the location set out in the Order or such other location as the parties may agree in writing ("Delivery Location") at any time after the Supplier notifies the Customer that the Goods are ready.

4.3 Delivery of the Goods shall be completed on the Goods' arrival at the Delivery Location or collection of the Goods by the Customer from the Supplier’s premises (“Delivery”) and the Customer shall be responsible for unloading the Goods

4.4 Unfortunately, the Supplier is not able to deliver to Delivery Locations outside of the United Kingdom.

4.5 The Supplier shall use its reasonable endeavours to ensure that the Goods are delivered on the requested Delivery Date however any dates quoted for delivery are approximate only, and the time of delivery is not of the essence. The Supplier shall not be liable for any delay in delivery of the Goods that is caused by a Force Majeure Event or the Customer's failure to provide the Supplier with adequate delivery instructions or any other instructions that are relevant to the supply of the Goods.

4.6 If the Supplier fails to deliver the Goods the Customer must notify the Supplier of the non-delivery within two Business Days of the anticipated delivery day and the Supplier’s liability shall be limited to the costs and expenses incurred by the Customer in obtaining replacement goods of similar description and quality in the cheapest market available, less the price of the Goods.

4.7 The Customer shall notify the Supplier verbally (by telephone) if the Goods have been delivered damaged, as soon as possible upon Delivery of the Goods so as to enable the Supplier to contact its carrier.

4.8 The Supplier shall have no liability for any failure to deliver the Goods to the extent that such failure is caused by a Force Majeure Event or the Customer's failure to provide the Supplier with adequate delivery instructions or any other instructions that are relevant to the supply of the Goods.

4.9 If the Customer fails to take delivery of the Goods within two Business Days of the Supplier notifying the Customer that the Goods are ready and/or attempting to deliver the Goods then, except where such failure or delay is caused by a Force Majeure Event or the Supplier's failure to comply with its obligations under the Contract, the Supplier shall store the Goods until delivery takes place, and charge the Customer for all related costs and expenses (including insurance).

4.10 If 5 Business Days after the day on which the Supplier notified the Customer that the Goods were ready for delivery or attempted to deliver them, the Customer has not taken delivery of them, the Supplier may resell or otherwise dispose of part or all of the Goods and/or charge the Customer for the price of the Goods where the Goods have deteriorated and/or the Supplier is otherwise unable to re-sell and/or use them.

4.11 The Customer shall not be entitled to reject the Goods if the Supplier delivers up to and including 5% less than the quantity of Goods ordered, but a pro rata adjustment shall be made to the Order invoice on receipt of notice from the Customer that the wrong quantity of Goods was delivered.

4.12 The Supplier may deliver the Goods by instalments, which shall be invoiced and paid for separately. Each instalment shall constitute a separate Contract. Any delay in delivery or defect in an instalment shall not entitle the Customer to cancel any other instalment.

5. QUALITY

5.1 The Supplier warrants that on Delivery the Goods shall:

1. conform in all material respects with their description;

2. be free from patent material defects; and

3. be of satisfactory quality (within the meaning of the Sale of Goods Act 1979); and

4. be fit for any purpose held out by the Supplier.

5.2 Disease of plants can be transmitted by wind, insect, animals or by human agencies and can be seed or soil borne. The Supplier believes the Goods sold subject to the Contract to be free from latent defect, however it is not a condition of sale, nor does the Supplier warrant that the Goods are free from such a latent defect.

5.3 Subject to clause 5.4, if:

1. the Customer gives notice in writing to the Supplier:

   • (i) within 5 Business Days of Delivery where the Goods do not correspond with their description (including but not limited to where the wrong Goods and/or quantities have been delivered) and/or the defect is visibly apparent on reasonable inspection on
     Delivery;

   • (ii) within 3 Business Days of discovery of a defect which is not apparent from reasonable inspection on Delivery, provided such notice is given within 60 days of Delivery,

2. that some or all of the Goods do not comply with the warranty set out in clause 5.1 together with full details of the defect; and

3. the Supplier or its authorised representative is given a reasonable opportunity of examining such Goods;

the Supplier shall, at its option, replace the defective Goods, or refund the price of the defective Goods (and for the avoidance of doubt, not the price of non-defective Goods) in full.

5.4 The Supplier shall not be liable for Goods' failure to comply with the warranty set out in clause 5.1 in any of the following events:

1. if the Customer makes any further use (including the re-sale) of such Goods after giving notice in accordance with clause 5.3;

2. if the defect arises because the Customer failed to comply with any of its obligations under clause 3.3;

3. if the Customer alters, tampers with or treats such Goods with inappropriate treatment and/or chemicals;

4. if the defect arises as a result of fair wear and tear, willful damage, negligence, disease, pests, adverse or unusual weather conditions and/or any other event outside the reasonable control of the Supplier and/or the Customer, once the Goods are at the risk of the Customer; or

5. if the Goods differ from their description as a result of changes made to ensure they comply with applicable statutory or regulatory requirements.

5.5 Except as provided in this clause 5, the Supplier shall have no liability to the Customer in respect of the Goods' failure to comply with the warranty set out in clause 5.1.

5.6 The terms implied by sections 13 to 15 of the Sale of Goods Act 1979 are, to the fullest extent permitted by law, excluded from the Contract.

5.7 These Conditions shall apply to any replacement Goods supplied by the Supplier.

6. TITLE AND RISK

6.1 The risk in the Goods shall pass to the Customer on Delivery (prior to unloading or loading where the Goods are being collected by the Customer) or Deemed Delivery (whichever is the earliest).

6.2 Title to the Goods shall not pass to the Customer until the earlier of:

1. the Supplier receives payment in full (in cash or cleared funds) for the Goods and any other goods that the Supplier has supplied to the Customer in respect of which payment has become due, in which case title to the Goods shall pass at the time of payment of all such sums; and

2. the Customer resells the Goods, in which case title to the Goods shall pass to the Customer at the time specified in clause 6.4.

6.3 Until title to the Goods has passed to the Customer, the Customer shall:

1. store the Goods separately from all other goods held by the Customer so that they remain readily identifiable as the Supplier's property;

2. not remove, deface or obscure any identifying mark or packaging on or relating to the Goods;

3. maintain the Goods in satisfactory condition and in accordance with clause 3.3, and keep them insured against all risks for their full price from the date of delivery;

4. notify the Supplier immediately if it becomes subject to any of the events listed in clause 8.2; and

5. give the Supplier such information relating to the Goods as the Supplier may require from time to time.

6.4 Subject to clause 6.5, the Customer may resell or use the Goods in the ordinary course of its business (but not otherwise) before the Supplier receives payment for the Goods. However, if the Customer resells the Goods before that time:

1. it does so as principal and not as the Supplier’s agent; and

2. title to the Goods shall pass from the Supplier to the Customer immediately before the time at which resale by the Customer occurs.

6.5 If before title to the Goods passes to the Customer the Customer becomes subject to any of the events listed in clause 8.2, then, without limiting any other right or remedy the Supplier may have:

1. the Customer's right to resell the Goods or use them in the ordinary course of its business ceases immediately; and

2. the Supplier may at any time:

   • (i) require the Customer to deliver up all Goods in its possession which have not been resold, or irrevocably incorporated into another product; and

   • (ii) if the Customer fails to do so promptly, enter any premises of the Customer or of any third party where the Goods are stored in order to recover them.

7. PRICE AND PAYMENT

7.1 The price of the Goods shall be the price quoted by the Supplier (provided that such quotation has not been revoked or lapsed) or, if no price is quoted, the price set out in the Supplier's published price list in force as at the date of delivery and prices may be varied in accordance with clause 7.2 and/or with the prior written agreement of the Supplier.

7.2 The Supplier may, by giving notice to the Customer at any time before delivery, increase the price of the Goods to reflect any increase in the cost of the Goods that is due to:

1. any factor beyond the Supplier's control (including increases in taxes and duties, and increases in labour, materials and other agricultural costs);

2. any request by the Customer to change the delivery date(s), quantities or types of Goods ordered; or

3. any delay caused by any instructions of the Customer or failure of the Customer to give the Supplier adequate or accurate information or instructions.

7.3 The price of the Goods is exclusive of the costs and charges of packaging, insurance and transport (where applicable) of the Goods unless otherwise specified by the Supplier.

7.4 The price of the Goods is exclusive of amounts in respect of value added tax ("VAT"). The Customer shall, on receipt of a valid VAT invoice from the Supplier, pay to the Supplier such additional amounts in respect of VAT as are chargeable on the supply of the Goods.

7.5 The Supplier may invoice the Customer for the Goods on or at any time after Delivery or deemed delivery (whichever is earlier).

7.6 Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Supplier, the Customer shall pay the invoice in full and in cleared funds within 45 days of the date of the invoice. Payment shall be made to the bank account nominated in writing by the Supplier. Time of payment is of the essence.

7.7 If the Customer fails to make any payment due to the Supplier under the Contract by the due date for payment, then the Customer shall pay interest on the overdue amount at the rate of 4% per annum above the Bank of England base rate from time to time. Such interest shall accrue on a daily basis from the due date until actual payment of the overdue amount, whether before or after judgment. The Customer shall pay the interest together with the overdue amount.

7.8 The Customer shall pay all amounts due under the Contract in full without any set-off, counterclaim, deduction or withholding (except for any deduction or withholding required by law). The Supplier may at any time, without limiting any other rights or remedies it may have, set off any amount owing to it by the Customer against any amount payable by the Supplier to the Customer.

8. TERMINATION AND SUSPENSION

8.1 If the Customer becomes subject to any of the events listed in clause 8.2, the Supplier may terminate the Contract with immediate effect by giving written notice to the Customer.

8.2 For the purposes of clause 8.1, the relevant events are:

1. the Customer suspends, or threatens to suspend, payment of its debts, or is unable to pay its debts as they fall due or admits inability to pay its debts, or (being a company or limited liability partnership) is deemed unable to pay its debts within the meaning of section 123 of the Insolvency Act 1986, or (being an individual) is deemed either unable to pay its debts or as having no reasonable prospect of so doing, in either case, within the meaning of section 268 of the Insolvency Act 1986, or (being a partnership) has any partner to whom any of the foregoing apply;

2. the Customer commences negotiations with all or any class of its creditors with a view to rescheduling any of its debts, or makes a proposal for or enters into any compromise or arrangement with its creditors [other than (where the Customer is a company) where these events take place for the sole purpose of a scheme for a solvent amalgamation of the Customer with one or more other companies or the solvent reconstruction of the Customer];

3. (being a company) a petition is filed, a notice is given, a resolution is passed, or an order is made, for or in connection with the winding up of the Customer, other than for the sole purpose of a scheme for a solvent amalgamation of the Customer with one or more other companies or the solvent reconstruction of the Customer;

4. (being a company) an application is made to court, or an order is made, for the appointment of an administrator or if a notice of intention to appoint an administrator is given or if an administrator is appointed over the Customer;

5. (being a company) the holder of a qualifying floating charge over the Customer's assets has become entitled to appoint or has appointed an administrative receiver;

6. a person becomes entitled to appoint a receiver over the Customer's assets or a receiver is appointed over the Customer's assets;

7. (being an individual) the Customer is the subject of a bankruptcy petition or order;

8. a creditor or encumbrancer of the Customer attaches or takes possession of, or a distress, execution, sequestration or other such process is levied or enforced on or sued against, the whole or any part of its assets and such attachment or process is not discharged within 14 days;

9. any event occurs, or proceeding is taken, with respect to the Customer in any jurisdiction to which it is subject that has an effect equivalent or similar to any of the events mentioned in clause 8.2(a) to clause 8.2(f) (inclusive);

10. the Customer suspends, threatens to suspends, ceases or threatens to cease to carry on all or a substantial part of its business;

11. the Customer's financial position deteriorates to such an extent that in the Supplier's opinion the Customer's capability to adequately fulfil its obligations under the Contract has been placed in jeopardy; and

12. (being an individual) the Customer dies or, by reason of illness or incapacity (whether mental or physical), is incapable of managing his or her own affairs or becomes a patient under any mental health legislation.

8.3 Without limiting its other rights or remedies, the Supplier may suspend provision of the Goods under the Contract or any other contract between the Customer and the Supplier if the Customer becomes subject to any of the events listed in clause 8.2(a) to clause 8.2(l), or the Supplier reasonably believes that the Customer is about to become subject to any of them, or if the Customer fails to pay any amount due under this Contract on the due date for payment.

8.4 On termination of the Contract for any reason the Customer shall immediately pay to the Supplier all of the Supplier's outstanding unpaid invoices and interest.

8.5 Termination of the Contract, however arising, shall not affect any of the parties' rights, remedies, obligations and liabilities that have accrued as at termination.

8.6 Clauses which expressly or by implication survive termination of the Contract shall continue in full force and effect.

9. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

9.1 Nothing in these Conditions shall limit or exclude the Supplier's liability for:

1. death or personal injury caused by its negligence, or the negligence of its employees, agents or subcontractors (as applicable);

2. fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation;

3. breach of the terms implied by section 12 of the Sale of Goods Act 1979;

4. defective products under the Consumer Protection Act 1987.

The Supplier maintains limited insurance cover in respect of its own legal liability for claims not exceeding £100,000 in total for any one period of insurance and limitation of the Supplier’s liability is therefore based upon the amount of cover provided in this clause

9.2 and the Customer is responsible for making arrangements for the insurance of any excess loss.

9.2 Subject to clause 9.1:

1. the Supplier shall under no circumstances whatever be liable to the Customer, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), restitution, misrepresentation, breach of statutory duty, or otherwise, for any:

   • (i) loss of profit;

   • (ii) loss of business opportunity;

   • (iii) loss of anticipated savings;

   • (iv) loss of business;

   • (v) loss of or damage to goodwill; or

   • (vi) any indirect or consequential loss arising under or in connection with the Contract; and

2. the Supplier's total liability to the Customer in respect of all other losses arising under or in connection with the Contract, whether in:

   • (i) contract;

   • (ii) tort (including negligence);

   • (iii) breach of statutory duty;

   • (iv) or otherwise,

shall in no circumstances exceed £20,000.

9.3 If any of the exclusions of the Suppliers’ liability in clause 9.3

1. is deemed to be unreasonable, they shall be subject to the limitation provided in clause 9.3

2. of these Conditions.

10. FORCE MAJEURE

Neither party shall be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations under the Contract to the extent that such failure or delay is caused by a Force Majeure Event. A "Force Majeure Event" means any event beyond a party's reasonable control, which by its nature could not have been foreseen, or, if it could have been foreseen, was unavoidable, including strikes, lock-outs or other industrial disputes (whether involving its own workforce or a third party's), failure of energy sources or transport network, acts of God, war, terrorism, riot, civil commotion, interference by civil or military authorities, national or international calamity, armed conflict, malicious damage, breakdown of plant or machinery, nuclear, chemical or biological contamination, sonic boom, explosions, collapse of building structures, fires, floods, storms, earthquakes, loss at sea, epidemics or similar events, natural disasters or extreme adverse weather conditions, or default of suppliers or subcontractors.

11. GENERAL

11.1 Assignment and other dealings.

1. The Supplier may at any time assign, transfer, mortgage, charge, subcontract or deal in any other manner with all or any of its rights or obligations under the Contract.

2. The Customer may not assign, transfer, mortgage, charge, subcontract, declare a trust over or deal in any other manner with any or all of its rights or obligations under the Contract without the prior written consent of the Supplier.

11.2 Notices.

1. Any notice or other communication given to a party under or in connection with the Contract shall be in writing, addressed to that party at its registered office (if it is a company) or its principal place of business (in any other case) or such other address as that party may have specified to the other party in writing in accordance with this clause, and shall be delivered personally, sent by pre-paid first class post or other next working day delivery service, commercial courier, fax or e-mail.

2. A notice or other communication shall be deemed to have been received: if delivered personally, when left at the address referred to in clause 11.2(a); if sent by pre-paid first class post or other next working day delivery service, at 9.00 am on the second Business Day after posting; if delivered by commercial courier, on the date and at the time that the courier's delivery receipt is signed; or, if sent by by fax or e-mail, one Business Day after transmission.

3. The provisions of this clause shall not apply to the service of any proceedings or other documents in any legal action.

11.3 Arbitration Any dispute under this Contract shall be referred to arbitration as follows:

1. In the case of a dispute between a member of the National Farmer’s Union for England and Wales or a member of the National Farmer’s Union of Scotland and a member of the AIC Ltd., the dispute shall be referred to arbitration under the rules for the conduct of arbitration jointly agreed between those three organisations; and the making of this Contract shall be deemed to be respectively an offer and acceptance in writing to settle any dispute arising out of this Contract by arbitration as required by those rules;

2. Unless otherwise agreed, in every other case the dispute shall be referred to arbitration in accordance with the arbitration rules of the AIC Ltd., 3 Whitehall Court, London, SW1A 2EQ and all parties shall in making this Contract be deemed to have knowledge of such rules and to have elected to be bound thereby.

11.4 Severance.

1. If any provision or part-provision of the Contract is or becomes invalid, illegal or unenforceable, it shall be deemed modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid, legal and enforceable. If such modification is not possible, the relevant provision or part-provision shall be deemed deleted. Any modification to or deletion of a provision or part-provision under this clause shall not affect the validity and enforceability of the rest of the Contract.

2. If one party gives notice to the other of the possibility that any provision or part-provision of this Contract is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the parties shall negotiate in good faith to amend such provision so that, as amended, it is legal, valid and enforceable, and, to the greatest extent possible, achieves the intended commercial result of the original provision.

11.5 Waiver. A waiver of any right or remedy under the Contract or law is only effective if given in writing and shall not be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach or default. No failure or delay by a party to exercise any right or remedy provided under the Contract or by law shall constitute a waiver of that or any other right or remedy, nor shall it prevent or restrict the further exercise of that or any other right or remedy. No single or partial exercise of such right or remedy shall prevent or restrict the further exercise of that or any other right or remedy.

11.6 Third party rights. A person who is not a party to the Contract shall not have any rights to enforce its terms.

11.7 Variation. Except as set out in these Conditions, no variation of the Contract, including the introduction of any additional terms and conditions, shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by the Supplier.

11.8 Governing law. The Contract, and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with it or its subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims), shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the law of England and Wales.

11.9 Jurisdiction. Each party irrevocably agrees that the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with this Contract or its subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims).