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.

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.

Approval by Ministers is required for any changes to levy rates.

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

• AHDB levy rates for 2023/24

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.

AHDB collects six levies. They relate to pigs, cattle, sheep, milk, 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 six 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.

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

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

• Cattle levy payer guidance on how to request a ballot (reference A) 
• Cereal levy payer guidance on how to request a ballot (reference B)
• Milk levy payer guidance on how to request a ballot (reference D)
• Oilseeds levy payer guidance on how to request a ballot (reference E)
• Pig levy payer guidance on how to request a ballot (reference F)
• Sheep levy payer guidance on how to request a ballot (reference H)

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

• Cattle keeper, slaughterer and exporter guidance on how to vote in a ballot (reference JK)
• Cereal buyer, grower and processor guidance on how to vote in a ballot (reference LMN)
• Milk producer guidance on how to vote in a ballot (reference Q)
• Oilseeds grower guidance on how to vote in a ballot (reference R)
• Pig keeper, slaughterer and exporter guidance on how to vote in a ballot (reference ST)
• Sheep keeper, slaughterer and exporter guidance on how to vote in a ballot (reference XY)

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