Standard Owner Benchmark - Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board

Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) is a standards owner that was established in 2008. In addition, AHDB is an organization based in the United Kingdom that supports and promotes the agriculture and horticulture industries. Its primary goal is to improve the productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness of these sectors.

AHDB operates as a non-departmental public body (NDPB) and is funded by farmers, growers, and others in the agricultural and horticultural industries through statutory levies and government funding. It works closely with industry stakeholders, including farmers, growers, processors, and retailers, to provide research, development, and knowledge transfer services.

The board focuses on several key areas within agriculture and horticulture, including crops (such as cereals, oilseeds, potatoes, and sugar beets), livestock (including beef, lamb, pork, and dairy), and horticulture (including fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, and flowers).

The AHDB carries out various activities to support the industry, including:

Research and development: It invests in research projects to address challenges and improve productivity in agriculture and horticulture. This involves collaborating with universities, research institutes, and industry partners.

Knowledge transfer: AHDB provides information, training, and educational resources to farmers, growers, and industry professionals. This includes organizing events, workshops, and farm demonstrations to disseminate best practices and innovative techniques.

Market development: The board works to identify and create new market opportunities for agricultural and horticultural products both domestically and internationally. It conducts market research, promotes British produce, and supports trade missions.

Sector-specific support: AHDB provides sector-specific services tailored to the needs of different industries. This includes disease surveillance and control, quality assurance schemes, benchmarking, and economic analysis.

Skills development: The organization offers training programs and resources to develop the skills of farmers, growers, and workers in the agricultural and horticultural sectors.

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board plays a crucial role in supporting the UK's agriculture and horticulture industries by driving innovation, knowledge sharing, market development, and skills enhancement.