Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB)

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) plays a pivotal role in the UK's agricultural landscape, particularly within the dairy sector. Its headquarters are located at Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, where it operates as a levy-funded organization. Through this model, AHDB collects approximately £60 million annually from a diverse range of stakeholders across the agricultural supply chain, including farmers and growers. This funding allows AHDB to reinvest in essential areas such as research, market development, and knowledge transfer initiatives, which are crucial for driving industry growth and innovation.

Significant Events

In 2024, AHDB observed a 4% increase in organic cow's milk sales in the 12 weeks leading up to May 18, followed by an additional 5% rise in the subsequent 12 weeks. This trend indicates a growing consumer demand for organic dairy products. The GB Dairy Calf Strategy, launched in 2020 in collaboration with the National Farmers' Union (NFU), continues to improve dairy calf welfare across the UK, reflecting AHDB's commitment to animal welfare and sustainable practices.

During the first half of 2025, UK dairy exports surged by 20%, driven by increased international interest. AHDB's active participation in global events, such as Anuga, has been instrumental in promoting British beef, lamb, pork, and dairy products internationally. A notable 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 is actively involved 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 to identify top-performing females.

The organization is also a key player in the UK Dairy Carbon Network project, which aims to identify emission sources and reduction opportunities. AHDB's 'Let's Eat Balanced' campaign has successfully generated £28 in retail sales for every £1 of levy invested, highlighting the nutritional benefits of British dairy and promoting environmentally friendly farming practices.

AHDB aims to enhance British dairy exports, particularly in North America, by emphasizing heritage and provenance. Initiatives include a partnership with Lulu Hypermarket for a British Dairy Promotion and efforts 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.

By the end of 2025, British farmers reported producing over 7% more milk compared to the five-year average, supported by AHDB's strategies. The organization's activities in events like Gulfood have been crucial in connecting UK exporters with buyers, organizing a dairy breakfast event, and collaborating on a dairy promotion in Kuwait.

In 2025, AHDB launched an ambitious international trade program, featuring a significant presence at Anuga, the world's largest food event in Cologne. The board also hosted 28 delegates from various regions to showcase British farming standards and organized 28 events globally to enhance the visibility and demand for British dairy products.

Senior livestock analyst Becky Smith from AHDB noted the increase in cull numbers corresponds with declines in milk prices, which have economically pressured dairy farmers. The organization is responsible for the April 2026 AHDB rankings, where Peak Powerhouse was named the leading Holstein sire. AHDB focuses on health and efficiency in dairy cattle breeding, with Denovo 22750 Lorenzo leading the rankings for enhancing daughter fertility and udder health.

The AHDB reported the UK's record milk production for the 2025/26 season. The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board noted that the milk-to-feed-price ratio remains in the 'expansion zone,' which has helped maintain production levels despite the challenging financial environment.

Modified: 2026/05/09