As part of the disposal of assets for the wind down of all Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board AHDB Horticulture activities, the levy board is transferring back to industry the royalties arising from the commercialisation of two levy-funded research projects.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) ministers have agreed with the AHDB board’s recommendation to re-assign the royalties to appropriate industry grower associations.
As a member of the former East Malling Strawberry Breeding Club, AHDB Horticulture has been receiving a share in some of the released strawberry varieties, paying annual royalties to AHDB of approximately £85,000 (average over six years to 2021).
The AHDB shares have been transferred to British Berry Growers (BBG).
AHDB Horticulture is a 25% royalty partner with Lancaster University on Jasmonic Acid, paying annual royalties to AHDB of about £40,000.
This has been transferred to the British Protected Ornamental Association (BPOA).
The wind-down process was instigated following the result of a ballot of horticulture levy payers in May 2021. This process involved:
- Transferring of EAMU and EA services to a new company, Horticulture Crop Protection Ltd.;
- The completion of more than 78 research contracts so benefit is not lost to the industry;
- The creation of a legacy website allowing access for the industry to past technical research.
AHDB
AHDB is a statutory levy board funded by farmers and others in the supply chain.
Its states that its purpose is to be a critical enabler, to positively influence outcomes, allowing farmers and others in the supply chain to be competitive, successful and share good practice.
It equips levy payers with easy-to-use products, tools and services to help them make informed decisions and ultimately, improve business performance.
Established in 2008 and classified as a Non-Departmental Public Body, the board supports the following industries: meat and livestock (beef, lamb and pork) in England; dairy in Great Britain; and cereals and oilseeds in the UK.
