Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB)

Overview

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) is a statutory levy board, funded by farmers, growers, and others in the supply chain. Established in 2008, AHDB operates as a non-departmental public body under the sponsorship of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Its primary mission is to inspire and equip UK agriculture and horticulture industries to be more competitive and sustainable.

Core Functions

AHDB's core functions include:

• Research and Development: Conducting research to drive innovation and improve productivity across the sectors it represents.
• Knowledge Transfer: Disseminating evidence-based information to farmers and growers to enhance business efficiency and competitiveness.
• Market Intelligence: Providing essential market information to improve supply chain transparency.
• Marketing and Promotion: Undertaking promotional activities to stimulate demand and develop export markets.

Export Strategy: Beyond Borders

AHDB's export strategy, titled "Beyond Borders: working together for your export success," outlines a seven-point plan to enable more UK businesses to develop their export potential. This strategy emphasizes:

• Market Development: Identifying and prioritizing international markets with the highest potential for UK agricultural products.
• Trade Support: Assisting businesses in navigating technical requirements and compliance to access new markets.
• Promotion: Enhancing the reputation of UK agricultural products through international marketing campaigns.
• Collaboration: Working with government agencies and industry stakeholders to align efforts and maximize impact.

Export Performance

Red Meat

• 2023: Red meat exports, including offal, maintained a value similar to the record year of 2022. The total value of red meat shipments to the EU was up 2% year-on-year, totaling £1.3 billion, while volumes fell by 12%. Major importers included France, China, Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium.

Dairy

• 2024: Total UK dairy export volume was 1.22 million tonnes, a marginal decline of 0.3% from 2023. Cheese and curd exports continued to grow, increasing by 9.9% (17,700 tonnes). The EU remained the primary destination, with notable increases in exports to the Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, and Spain.

Cereals and Oilseeds

• Trade Data: AHDB collates monthly import and export data for raw cereals and oilseeds, providing insights into trade volumes and values. This information helps stakeholders understand market dynamics and identify export opportunities.

Target Markets

AHDB focuses on both EU and non-EU markets to diversify export destinations:

• Non-EU Markets: Between 2019 and 2021, an average of 8% of UK sheep meat exports and 25% of sheep offal exports were sent to non-EU countries. Hong Kong was the largest non-EU importer of UK sheep meat, averaging £5 million and 2,200 tonnes per year.
• Emerging Markets: AHDB publishes analysis of export opportunities to improve understanding of emerging markets that UK exporters may want to target, considering factors like GDP growth, population trends, and income per capita.

Support for Exporters

AHDB provides comprehensive support to UK agricultural exporters, including:

• Market Intelligence: Offering data and analysis on global markets to inform export strategies.
• Trade Development: Assisting with market access requirements and facilitating introductions to potential buyers.
• Promotion: Supporting participation in international trade shows and organizing inward buyer missions to showcase UK products.

Achievements

• Return on Investment: AHDB's export activities have delivered an £11.90 return for every £1 invested, highlighting the effectiveness of its export support initiatives.
• Market Access: Successful in opening new markets and expanding existing ones for UK agricultural products, contributing to the growth of the UK's agri-food export sector.

Conclusion

AHDB plays a pivotal role in enhancing the global competitiveness of UK agriculture and horticulture. Through strategic initiatives, robust support systems, and a focus on sustainable growth, AHDB continues to drive export success for UK farmers and growers, ensuring their products reach markets worldwide.