Research and knowledge exchange
AHDB is the major funder of applied agricultural and horticultural research and knowledge exchange (KE) in the UK.
About 50% of the levy collected is invested in this technical programme. As a result of recent strategic changes in AHDB, research and KE programmes are now being re-aligned to address the new AHDB three-year strategy, set out in the document AHDB Strategy 2017–2020: Inspiring success.
This identifies four high‑level strategic priorities which will be delivered via sector‑specific activities covering the full range of AHDB’s operations. The technical research and knowledge exchange components of those sector activities will be delivered via work programmes grouped under six outcome-based themes (see the AHDB Research and Knowledge Exchange Framework opposite).
This will see a move towards most research projects being commissioned via competitive tender. Although there will still be some opportunities for responsive mode proposals, these will require a strong business case and/or offer significant co‑funding opportunities


AHDB research and knowledge exchange framework
AHDB KE builds on the fact that we are unique in being able to blend farm economics and skills development with technical advances and innovation.
KE activities will take the outputs arising from work done under the six themes and deliver them to the industry via four new programmes that themselves contribute to two new delivery platforms.
Feedback on industry priorities from the sector-orientated KE programmes will inform the direction of future research and KE programmes within the context of the AHDB strategy.
Research and knowledge exchange themes
Theme 1: Realising genetic potential
Turning data into genetic information by: | |
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Theme 2: Building sustainable plant and animal health
Improving knowledge exchange and practice by: | |
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Theme 3: Managing resources efficiently and sustainably
Becoming more competitive and sustainable by: | |
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Theme 4: Driving precision technology into practice
Independent, evidence-based information and evaluation of tools and technology by: | |
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Theme 5: Facilitating trusted food in the supply chain
Understand and deliver what customers will buy by: | |
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Theme 6: Honing business and technical skills
Improve and grow businesses and build the agriculture and horticulture industry profile by: | |
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Knowledge exchange: Programmes
KE Programme 1: Network building
Achieving more by working together by: |
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KE programme 2: Supply chain integration
Building connectivity through supply chains to improve marketability by: |
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KE programme 3: Business development
Developing an industry fit for the future by: |
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KE programme 4: Intelligence gathering
Listening, learning and sharing by: |
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