I want to alert beef and sheep producers to the latest Defra consultation on the future of our levy board, the AHDB.
I know from speaking to members and discussions at my board that there is real support for the activity that AHDB do on behalf of the industry and the value it delivers for levy payers.
I agree that it’s absolutely right that levy payers have a regular say on how their money is spent, so the recently announced Shape the Future of Farming vote on our sector strategy is very welcome.
Export market and development
For the beef and lamb sector I believe the strategy should focus on export market access and development, domestic marketing and promotion, defending the industry's reputation, targeted R&D and to provide technical advice that will help the sector adapt and improve our productivity and competitiveness.
We have already seen the horticultural sector trigger a ballot and vote to disband the levy for their sector because they felt it wasn’t working.
I’m certain that livestock farmers want to support an AHDB that is agile and is able to flex its sector strategy according to the market need.
Register and vote
AHDB are now starting the process of registering levy payers. I know that not all beef and lamb producers will directly pay a levy, but I’m urging all producers to register and vote on the work AHDB do.
It’s so important that we all contribute. You can register here: Shape the Future of farming - vote on the work AHDB delivers for you | AHDB.