Meetings coming up to discuss the future of AHDB

Levy payers from across the pork industry are urged to attend meetings taking place over the next fortnight to discuss the future of AHDB. 

At the end of August, the Government launched a request for views on the future of AHDB, looking particularly at changes that might be needed in response to our imminent departure from the EU.

Stakeholder meetings, run by senior Defra officials, will take place from the end of this week to discuss the levy body's future. The meetings are: 

• London, Defra HQ, Nobel House, Smith Square (SW1P 3JR) Friday September 28 (10am – 1pm)
• York, Foss House, (YO1 7PX), Monday October 1 (10.30am - 1pm)
• Bristol, Monday October 8 (10am - 1pm). 

Any producers wishing to attend should register with Defra first.

In the meeting notices, Defra said: "The request for views provides an opportunity for levy payers to have their say about the role and function of the various components of the AHDB in the future. By obtaining a range of stakeholder views we hope to ensure AHDB’s purpose and priorities are relevant and fit for purpose to help the industries to navigate into the new post EU world."

The meeting will discuss some of the issues raised in a questionnaire designed to gather 'a full range of views from as many people as possible'.

It is available here until midnight November 9.

Defra said it also hoped to broaden that discussion, exploring additional issues, which might not be covered in the questionnaire.

Commenting on the review, AHDB chief executive Jane King said: “This is an unprecedented time of change for our industry so this is an important opportunity to look at what AHDB does and how we deliver for the agriculture and horticulture industry."

NPA chief executive Zoe Davies urged members to have their say to help ensure AHDB is robust and delivers the best possible value for money after we leave the EU.