AHDB reserves to fund £1.9m of horticulture projects

Britain’s horticulture sector is set to benefit from a £1.9m grant scheme funded through residual AHDB levy reserves.

This follows ministerial approval to release the remaining funds after the wind-down of AHDB horticulture operations.

The scheme, which will run from April 2026 until March 2029, will distribute grants to 22 grower associations covering sectors including field vegetables, fruit, protected edibles and ornamentals.

Recipients include British Apples and Pears, British Berry Growers, the Brassica Growers Association, The Asparagus Growers Association, the Tomato Growers Association and the Horticulture Trades Association.

See also: AHDB shutting down Farmbench data service in September

Funding will support research, innovation, communications, grower events and market development projects, with benefits required to be open to all growers within each sub-sector, not just association members.

The move follows the controversial dismantling of the AHDB’s horticulture and potato operations after levypayers voted in 2021 to end the statutory levies.

The AHDB subsequently wound down major activities, including market intelligence, promotional campaigns and export work, while retaining some technical and emergency pest and disease services during the transition.

Industry reaction

British Growers Association chief executive John Walgate said the new scheme would allow crop groups to focus support where it was most needed.

“Following the wind-down of the AHDB’s horticulture work, the industry has continued to face challenges, with many sub-sectors having different needs and priorities,” he said.

“Through the new grant scheme, each individual crop association will be able to apply for grants which best reflect the needs of their particular sector.”

AHDB chief executive Helen Herniman said the board had sought “a pragmatic way to release the residual levy funds to benefit growers”.

Defra farming minister Dame Angela Eagle added: “Britain’s horticulture sector is at the heart of our food supply chain, supporting skilled jobs, thriving rural businesses and growth across the country.”