The AHDB levy for potato growers and horticulturalists has been abolished.

The government confirmed yesterday (March 8) that the statutory levy will end from April.

The decision follows a consultation through the winter.

The UK government and devolved governments of Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland have agreed to carry out reforms within the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), one of which is to introduce a new regular vote for levy payers in other sectors, giving them influence over how the money is spent.

Levy payers will need to register to vote with the AHDB before March 31.

In a joint statement, UK government and devolved government ministers said: "We have committed to a reformed AHDB, one that works for all of its levy payers.

"We trust that a reformed and more accountable AHDB will be effective in supporting the delivery of our shared ambitions for a sustainable and competitive agriculture sector, and will help farmers identify innovative ways to reduce carbon emissions, improve productivity, as well as confidence in exploring new market opportunities."

The consultation revealed that growers from some horticulture subsectors – including soft fruits, tree fruit and mushrooms – would welcome an industry-led levy to continue to fund important research and development and crop protection activities.

The UK government and devolved governments say that they will engage in discussions with industry groups and trade bodies to explore the potential for these industry-led funding options in future.

Feedback from the consultation also indicated the horticulture sector in Great Britain wishes to continue to pay for services to help businesses obtain authorisations for the use of pesticides.

Therefore, the AHDB will use funding from reserves to deliver these services until April 2023.

A longer term approach will be agreed with industry-led groups and trade bodies.