Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB)

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) stands as a cornerstone in the UK's agricultural landscape, particularly within the dairy sector. Headquartered in Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, AHDB operates a comprehensive network of facilities and research farms dedicated to supporting its wide-ranging activities.

Financial Indicators

AHDB functions as a levy-funded organization, accruing approximately £60 million each year from a variety of stakeholders in the supply chain, including farmers and growers. This financial model allows for substantial reinvestment into pivotal areas such as research, market development, and knowledge transfer initiatives, which are essential for fostering 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 5% rise in the subsequent 12 weeks. This growth trend underscores the increasing consumer demand for organic dairy products.

The GB Dairy Calf Strategy, initiated in 2020 in collaboration with the National Farmers' Union (NFU), continues to make significant strides in enhancing dairy calf welfare across the UK. This initiative reflects AHDB's commitment to animal welfare and sustainable farming practices.

In the first half of 2025, UK dairy exports surged by 20%, highlighting the growing international demand for British dairy products. AHDB's active participation in international events such as Anuga has been instrumental in showcasing the potential for British beef, lamb, pork, and dairy on the global stage. A notable achievement includes the organization of 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 steadfast in its dedication to supporting the dairy sector through various initiatives aimed at sustainability, productivity enhancements, and market adaptation strategies. A crucial role is played in the new steering group for the Dairy Roadmap, which focuses on maintaining competitiveness within the EU market.

To aid farmers in optimizing their operations, AHDB provides tools such as genomic evaluations and the Herd Genetic Report, which assist in identifying top-performing females. Furthermore, AHDB is actively involved in the UK Dairy Carbon Network project, aiming to pinpoint emission sources and opportunities for reduction.

The 'Let's Eat Balanced' campaign has been notably successful, generating £28 in retail sales for every £1 of levy invested. This campaign emphasizes the nutritional benefits of British dairy and promotes environmentally friendly farming practices.

AHDB is also focused on promoting British dairy exports, particularly in North America, and highlighting the importance of heritage and provenance. Noteworthy 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, involving 18 farm businesses, to improve data control and sharing in the beef and dairy sectors. This project addresses 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.

Modified: 2026/01/28