The Pigs Today podcast is back, with a special edition in which AHDB Pork Sector chair Mike Sheldon explains why the levy body is proposing a 20% increase in the pork levy from 2024.
AHDB is proposing to raise the levy by 21p, taking it from 105p to 126p per pig from April 2024. This would be made up of a 17p increase for producers and 4p for processors, in line with the current levy split. The hike would raise about a further £1.5m from levy payers, taking the total pork sector budget to around £8.6m for 2024/25.
- You can listen to the podcast HERE
The planned increase, which would be the first time the pork levy has changed since 1996, would have to be approved by Ministers, after AHDB submits a formal proposal in November.
AHDB is now engaging levy payers in a ‘conversation’ about the increase, and Mr Sheldon acknowledges that it will need to demonstrate the support of levy payers in order to secure Ministerial approval for the move.
In the podcast interview, he explains why AHDB needs to increase the levy to maintain and enhance the services it delivers across its priority areas – exports, domestic marketing and industry reputation. He stresses, for example, that the return on AHDB’s domestic marketing spend is starting to dwindle, but by investing more, it can deliver better ‘bang for levy payers’ buck’.
He said AHDB acknowledges that levy payers are under pressure themselves, but urges them to see the levy as an ‘investment’ that delivers excellent value in various key areas, highlighting the development of export markets as a great example of where levy spend delivers significant returns on the levy.
Find out more
- Levy payers can find out more about the details of the proposals by visiting www.ahdb.org.uk.
- You can ask and make your views known here: info@ahdb.org.uk
- Levy payers will get the opportunity to ask questions about the proposals during a ‘Funding Your Future’ livestream event on November 9.
- Sector Councils will also be available to answer relevant questions via other face-to-face meetings and social media.