AHDB levy rate increases in four sectors receive ministerial approval

Levy rate increases proposed by AHDB for the Beef & Lamb, Cereals & Oilseeds, Dairy and Pork sectors have received approval from Ministers in Defra and the devolved administrations.

The new rates will be implemented from April 2024 and allow us to maintain our focus on delivering the objectives set out in the Sector Plans, published in November 2022.

With no increase to the levy in the Beef & Lamb and Cereals & Oilseeds sectors for more than 10 years and no change in over 20 years for Dairy and Pork, the spending power of levy funds over the past decade has been reduced by up to 40%.

AHDB Chair Nicholas Saphir said:

"We are pleased Ministers have approved the proposals, which will ensure the levy continues to support the work AHDB has committed to prioritising for farmers and processors across all the sectors we serve.

"The new rates will allow us to enhance our key activity whether, for example, that involves growing export opportunities or exploring further marketing campaigns in the Beef & Lamb, Dairy and Pork sectors, as well as increasing our research offering to Cereals & Oilseeds producers.

"Levy payers can be assured that our commitment to helping them navigate through an unprecedented period of change for the industry is secure and we will continue to listen to their feedback to ensure we are delivering real value for money."

The Government has also agreed that Mr Saphir will serve a further 12 months as Chair of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

The extension to Mr Saphir’s appointment means he will remain in the role until 31 March 2025.

Cattle (excluding calves)

• Producer – £4.05 to £5.06/head of cattle
• Slaughterer/exporter – £1.35 to £1.69/head of cattle

Calves

• Producer – £0.08 to £0.10/head of cattle
• Slaughterer/exporter – £0.08 to £0.10/head

Lamb

• Producer – £0.60 to £0.75/head of sheep
• Slaughterer/exporter – £0.20 to £0.25/head of sheep

• Cereal grower – 46p/tonne to 58p/t
• Cereal processor (human/industrial) – 9.50p/t to 12p/t
• Oilseeds – 75p/t to 94p/t

• Cereal buyer – 3.80p/t to 4.80p/t 
• Cereal processor (feed) – 4.60p/t to 5.80p/t

• Dairy farmer – 0.06p/litre to 0.08p/l

• Pig producer – £0.85 to £1.02

• Pig processor – £0.20 to £0.24