The European Commision competition servicies authorisated State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty for the Agriculture and Horticulture Development in the United Kigdom. The official text has been published in the OJ last 23 april 2008.

The aim of this scheme, which will be administered by the new Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and its six sector companies, is the promotion and advertising of products in the agricultural sectors covered by statutory levy. The aids will apply for the following period: from 1 April 2008 until 31 March 2014.

The scheme will apply to England, Wales and Scotland in the milk, horticulture and potato sector, to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in the cereals and oilseeds sector, and England only in the pig, beef and lamb sectors.

Budget distribution

Budget available will be distributed according to the following figures:

• Annual amount: £30 million (€42.93 million).
• Overall budget: £180 million (€257.58 million).
• A further £24.42 million will be spent on administrative activities.

Beneficiaries

Over 1000 farmers; producer groups and/or producer organisations; enterprises active in the processing and marketing of agricultural products.

More information

Aids will be managed by a new board called Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB)
Levy Board UK
c/o Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Area 5C
Millbank
c/o Nobel House
London SW1P 3JR
United Kingdom