Funding will be distributed via 22 sector trade bodies for three-year projects that support innovation and resilience
British growers will receive £1.9 million in grants based on leftover levy funding from the now defunct horticulture arm of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).
Funding will be distributed to 22 grower associations to support a series of legacy projects across field veg, top fruit, berries, protected horticulture and ornamentals, which can take place between April 2026 and March 2029.
Recipients include the respective trade bodies for apples and pears, brassicas, berries, peas, beans, tomatoes and other field veg associations, as well as the Horticulture Trades Association (HTA), working alongside the British Ornamentals Association.
The funded projects must benefit all growers within the sub-sector, not just members of the recipient associations, according to AHDB conditions.
“Following the wind-down of AHDB’s horticulture work, the industry has continued to face challenges, with many sub-sectors having different needs and priorities,” said British Growers chief executive, John Walgate.
“Through the new grant scheme each individual crop association will be able to apply for grants which best reflect the needs of their particular sector,” he said.
Farming minister Dame Angela Eagle: “This funding will help back practical projects that support growers, encourage innovation and strengthen the sector for the future.”
Associations can use the grants to fund R&D, knowledge exchange, grower events, communications, or market development projects.
“In reaching its decision the board noted there was strong industry support for AHDB to work with the industry to find a pragmatic way to release the residual levy funds to benefit growers,” said AHDB chief executive Helen Herniman.
