The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) can confirm it has achieved the target of reducing operational costs by £7.8m by the end of the 2022/23 financial year.

As part of its commitment to reducing bureaucracy and costs over a two-year period, outlined in the Change Programme for 2021 to 2026, a total saving of £8.5m has been made.

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 and taking into account the investment in new roles.

Chair Nicholas Saphir said: "I am pleased to confirm we have exceeded the savings target we set ourselves. This shows we are determined to build a leaner, more efficient organisation that delivers effectively and offers better value for money for levy payers.

"AHDB has been through a radical period of change and the recent launch of the new strategies for the Beef & 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.

"This includes supporting farmers to remain viable despite changes to farm support, protecting the reputation of our industry, improving animal health and welfare and identifying new export opportunities."