Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB)

Location

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) is headquartered in Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, UK. It operates a network of facilities and research farms across the country, providing a robust base for its extensive activities in the agricultural sector.

Financial Indicators

As a levy-funded organization, AHDB generates approximately £60 million annually. These funds are sourced from farmers, growers, and other participants within the supply chain. The financial resources are strategically reinvested into initiatives focusing on research, market development, and knowledge transfer, which are crucial for driving industry growth and innovation.

Significant Events

In 2024, AHDB reported a significant increase in the sales of organic cow's milk, with a 4% rise in the 12 weeks leading up to May 18, 2024, followed by an additional 5% growth in the subsequent 12 weeks. This trend indicates a consumer shift towards organic products. Additionally, the GB Dairy Calf Strategy, launched in 2020 in collaboration with the National Farmers' Union (NFU), has been instrumental in enhancing dairy calf welfare and management across the UK.

In the first half of 2025, AHDB recorded a notable 20% increase in the UK's dairy exports, showcasing the growing demand and competitiveness of British dairy products on the global stage. Furthermore, AHDB actively participated in events such as Anuga, where British beef, lamb, pork, and dairy were presented, emphasizing the international market potential.

Company Plans

Looking ahead, AHDB is dedicated to supporting the dairy sector through sustainability initiatives, productivity enhancements, and market adaptation strategies. The organization is a key participant in the new steering group for the Dairy Roadmap, which outlines its strategic direction. The EU remains an important market for UK dairy exports, and AHDB provides essential guidance for maintaining competitiveness in this area.

Moreover, data from AHDB for April 2024 to March 2025 shows a 1% increase in beef semen use, now at 53%, with the British Blue (42%) and Aberdeen Angus (38%) being the most popular among beef breeds for dairy farmers. AHDB supports these developments by offering tools such as genomic evaluations and the Herd Genetic Report, which assist farmers in identifying top-performing females.

In recent analysis, AHDB dispelled fears of US dairy products flooding the UK market by examining scenarios with tariff reductions. The findings indicated minimal impact due to corresponding reductions in EU imports.

Modified: 2025/10/10