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Written question asked by Sarah Dyke (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 17 July 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 23 July 2024 (named day). It was answered by Daniel Zeichner (Labour) on Tuesday, 23 July 2024 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Agricultural Development and Advisory Service and Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will hold discussions with representatives of the (a) Agriculture Horticulture Development Board and (b) Agriculture Development and Research Service on the potential merits of providing Government funding to those bodies.

Answer

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) is a Non-Departmental Public Body and is funded through a statutory industry levy collected from farmers, growers and processors. AHDB delivers its work through sector plans that are formed through consultation with its levy payers. From 1 April 2024 levy rates have been raised by up to 25%, increasing AHDV’s annual budget by up to £10 million and boosting the level of support to the farming industry.

Levy payers greatly value AHDB’s independence and industry focus. This independence stems from the fact that AHDB does not receive direct funding from Defra. Defra officials continue to work closely with AHDB to ensure it is meeting its statutory obligations. There are ongoing discussions regarding opportunities for Defra and AHDB to co-fund mutually beneficial projects through a specific partnership arrangement.

The Agricultural Development Advisory Service (ADAS) is a privately owned agricultural and environmental consultancy and research business. It has access to Government funding through tendering on a commercial basis for Defra research and consultancy contracts – a recent example being ADAS securing the contract for the Countryside Stewardship Scheme monitoring programme.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
213
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Finance Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board Agricultural Development and Advisory Service
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk