Levy returns portal

Our online levy returns portal allows you to submit your statutory levy returns online rather than using a paper based method.

The benefits of this include being able to instantly submit your returns and view your previously submitted returns all in one secure location.

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Levy returns forms and guides

AHDB Levy Rates

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board Order 2008 requires AHDB to raise levies relating to each sector.

Levy raised from a particular sector is ring-fenced for the benefit of that sector.

Annual approval by ministers is required for all levy rates, including higher rates for late payment of levy.

For further information and for specific queries on arrangements for collection of levies, levy payers should consult the AHDB levy finance department.

Ballot process for AHDB levies

The Statutory Instrument Under Which AHDB Operates Allows For Levy Payers, From 1 April 2012, To Request A Ballot On The Continuance Of A Levy.

This section of the website enables you to download detailed guidance on what to do if you wish to request a ballot. There is also separate guidance on how to vote, in the event that a ballot is called.

The AHDB collects eight levies. They relate to pigs, cattle, sheep, milk, horticulture, potatoes, cereal and oilseeds.

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board Order 2008 requires AHDB to hold a ballot on whether an individual levy should continue if it receives requests to hold a ballot on that levy signed by at least 5% of those entitled to vote in such a ballot, within a period of three consecutive calendar months.

If the 5% threshold is reached for any of the eight levies then AHDB will organise a ballot. The results will be independently verified and communicated to Ministers who will make a decision on the future of that levy; however Ministers are not bound by the results of any ballot.


Note that the threshold in horticulture has been met and a ballot will be held in that sector in January 2021


Based on 2020 data, AHDB estimates that the 5% thresholds for each levy are approximately:

Levy5% ThresholdLevy5% Threshold
Cattle 1855 Oilseeds 697
Cereal 2555 Pigs 566
Horticulture 64 Potatoes 103
Milk 462 Sheep 1935

 

Guidance on how to request a ballot on whether a levy should continue

Guidance on how to vote in a ballot, if one is called

Further Information

Having read the relevant guidance, if you have a question or require any clarification on the ballot process, please write to:

AHDB Ballot Officer, AHDB, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2TL
or email ballot@ahdb.org.uk 

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