Farmers, growers, processors and industry representatives
are being asked for their views from today (31 August) on
the role of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development
Board (AHDB).
The AHDB is a UK statutory levy board, funded by farmers,
growers and others in the supply chain. As we leave the EU,
there is an opportunity to ensure that the sectors that the
AHDB covers are as competitive as possible. This review
will look at the AHDB’s purpose and priorities, its
strengths and where improvements need to be made.
This is a joint 10-week exercise covering England,
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The request for views
will close on 9 November.
Farming Minister said:
At a time when we are designing a new agriculture policy
from first principles, now is also a good time to review
the role and function of this agricultural and
horticultural levy body.
The AHDB collects around £60 million a year in statutory
levy from farmers and growers and currently uses that
money for a range of purposes to support these sectors.
This request for views is an opportunity for levy payers
to have their say about the role and function of the
various components of the AHDB in the future.
Jane King, Chief Executive Officer of the AHDB, said:
We welcome this opportunity to gain feedback from farmers
and growers, and to help the industry compete in a global
marketplace as the country prepares to leave the EU.
We’d encourage views to shape where we can have the
biggest impact and drive value as an independent,
evidence-based organisation, which carries out marketing
at home and abroad, while sharing best practice and
innovation with farmers, growers and the wider industry,
at this crucial time.
To submit your views please complete the online survey by 9
November. Defra will also be running a number of workshops
in the coming weeks .
