Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) is a prominent organization within the UK’s agricultural landscape, with a substantial focus on the dairy sector. Headquartered at Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, AHDB operates various facilities and research farms dedicated to enhancing the industry's capabilities.

Financial Indicators

AHDB is a levy-funded organization, collecting approximately £60 million annually from stakeholders across the supply chain, including farmers and growers. This funding model allows for significant reinvestment into critical areas such as research, market development, and knowledge transfer initiatives, which are vital for industry growth and innovation.

Significant Events

In 2024, AHDB reported a notable 4% increase in organic cow's milk sales in the 12 weeks leading up to May 18, followed by a further 5% increase in the subsequent 12 weeks, reflecting a growing consumer demand for organic dairy products. Additionally, the GB Dairy Calf Strategy, launched in 2020 in partnership with the National Farmers' Union (NFU), continues to improve dairy calf welfare across the UK, reinforcing AHDB's commitment to animal welfare and sustainable farming practices.

In the first half of 2025, UK dairy exports surged by 20%, driven by increased international interest. AHDB's involvement in global events like Anuga has been pivotal in promoting British beef, lamb, pork, and dairy products internationally. A significant achievement was organizing a dairy export mission to the Middle East, co-funded by the UK's Department for Business and Trade under the UK Dairy Export Programme.

Company Plans

AHDB is dedicated to supporting the dairy sector through various sustainability and productivity enhancement initiatives. It plays a vital role in the new steering group for the Dairy Roadmap, focusing on maintaining competitiveness within the EU market. To assist farmers in optimizing their operations, AHDB offers tools such as genomic evaluations and the Herd Genetic Report, aiding in identifying top-performing females.

Additionally, AHDB is involved in the UK Dairy Carbon Network project, which aims to identify emission sources and reduction opportunities. The 'Let's Eat Balanced' campaign has been successful, generating £28 in retail sales for every £1 of levy invested, emphasizing the nutritional benefits of British dairy and promoting eco-friendly farming practices.

AHDB is also focused on boosting British dairy exports, particularly in North America, while emphasizing heritage and provenance. Notable activities include a partnership with Lulu Hypermarket for a British Dairy Promotion and initiatives to promote British dairy products in Kuwait. A new Farm Data Exchange project is being piloted with 18 farm businesses to improve data control and sharing in the beef and dairy sectors, addressing environmental reporting challenges while ensuring data control remains with the farmers.

By the end of 2025, British farmers reported producing over 7% more milk compared to the five-year average, demonstrating the sector's robust production capabilities and AHDB's effective support strategies. AHDB has highlighted the increasing opportunities for UK dairy and sheep meat exporters. AHDB's participation in Gulfood played a significant role in connecting UK exporters with buyers, organizing a dairy breakfast event, and collaborating on a dairy promotion in Kuwait. AHDB is actively working with industry and government to maximize export opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa.

In 2025, AHDB launched its most ambitious international trade program, featuring a prominent presence at Anuga, the world's largest food event in Cologne. The board also hosted 28 delegates from various regions, including the Americas, Africa, and Asia, to showcase British farming standards. The AHDB played a significant role in promoting UK dairy exports and organized 28 events across various international locations in 2025, including seven retail promotions and eight marketing events to increase the visibility and demand for British dairy products overseas.

Modified: 2026/03/09