Farming levy board AHDB has agreed to hold levy rates steady for the third year running.

AHDB had wanted to raise potato levies by 1.96 percent, but due to continued low prices in the potato sector, this rise was postponed following consultation with ministers and stakeholders.

The levy board expects that the net levy income in 2015/16 will amount to £57.3 million, with extra income from grants and commercial sources bringing in an additional £8.3m.

AHDB Chair Peter Kendall said, “AHDB’s role is to help build a confident, competitive industry which is constantly learning and adapting, acquiring new skills, innovating and adopting new technologies.
 
“We do a lot of good work but we can still work smarter and be more responsive and more effective for farmers and growers - through being more focused and more joined up.
 
“During this year we will be thoroughly reviewing our strategies and activity plans. We will be discussing our spend priorities with levy payers - where best to focus our limited levy resources to deliver greatest impact for the long-term success of the industry.”

The funds raised from each commodity sector are ring-fenced to ensure they are used to the benefit of the sectors from which they were raised. The breakdown for 2015/16 will be: