The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) exceeded its target of reducing operational costs by £7.8 million by the end of the 2022/2023 financial year.
The levy board said part of its commitment to reducing bureaucracy and operational costs over a two-year period, outlined in its change programme for 2021 to 2026, resulted in a total saving of £8.5 million.
AHDB said this includes a non-pay related savings target of £300,000 through the reduction in governance costs related to the horticulture and potatoes sectors as well as the closure of a satellite office.
AHDB chair, Nicholas Saphir, said he was pleased to confirm that AHDB had exceeded its savings target.
“This shows we are determined to build a leaner, more efficient organisation that delivers effectively and offers better value for money for levy payers,” he said.
“AHDB has been through a radical period of change and the recent launch of the new strategies for the beef and lamb, cereals and oilseeds, dairy and pork sectors underpin our commitment to listen and deliver.
“Our key priority remains making a positive difference to farm businesses and helping to grow British agriculture through the services levy payers across the beef and lamb, cereals and oilseeds, dairy and pork sectors have asked us to prioritise.”
Saphir said this includes supporting farmers to remain viable despite changes to farm support, protecting the reputation of UK industry, improving animal health and welfare and identifying new export opportunities.
