Farming groups have reacted angrily to the government's ruling on levy board AHDB's intention to use funds for an advertising campaign.

On Friday, NFU President Meurig Raymond said, “For the NFU it is a fundamental point of principle that the AHDB decides how levy payers money is spent. This is a body wholly funded and set up to serve the farming industry. AHDB should also ensure that this money gives value across all of its activities
 
“I know that many farmers are extremely angry that promotional funding of beef and lamb by AHDB appears not to have been approved by Government. Sheep farmers in particular are now demanding action as the sector faces grave pressure from the current market conditions. They are calling for scheduled marketing and promotion of lamb at this time to make consumers aware of the quality of our product.
 
“There are some core principles at stake and I urge government today to remove any blockages from the current process and to consider exemptions from measures that have contributed to any delay. I believe this is the time for government to demonstrate its commitment to British livestock farmers and to remember that the levy boards are predominantly funded by farmers, for farmers.”