Following the publication of two new reports, the Horticultural Trades Association explains how plants are a valuable resource in ensuring a greener future for the UK.

Speaking today at ‘Horticulture, The Conference 2023’, the Horticultural Trades Association’s (HTA) Chief Executive, Fran Barnes, made a strong call to action to politicians and policy-makers to deliver supportive measures or risk the sector that will deliver on net-zero.

Mairi Gougeon MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, was given a closer look at the Environmental Horticulture sector on a visit to Ashbrook Nursery in Arbroath. This was part of the Horticultural Trades Association’s (HTA) outreach on its Scottish Growth Strategy, which was brought to Holyrood earlier this year so that industry and politicians could engage in improving the environment, economy and health through trees and plants.

Following a Scottish Parliamentary event earlier this year to discuss the Environmental Horticulture Growth Strategy for Scotland, many MSPs have pledged to plant a tree in their community.

Ben Reid Garden Centre and Nursery in Aberdeen had the privilege of hosting two distinguished political figures last week. On Thursday, 31 August, Stephen Flynn, Member of Parliament for Aberdeen South and Leader of the SNP in the House of Commons, visited the garden centre. His visit aimed to shed light on the pressing issues confronting the horticultural industry in Scotland.

By kind invitation of Royal Anthos, Sally Cullimore, Technical Policy Manager at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), took centre stage on Thursday, 24 August, at PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt, a prestigious horticultural event held in the Netherlands. With a focus on strengthening international collaborations and sharing vital insights, Sally presented a UK update on Borders and Trade.

Data released today (24 August) by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) shows clear consequences that accelerating a ban from 2030 to 2026 on UK tree and plant growers using peat will have significant environmental and economic impacts. The reduced timescale will more than halve the number of growing seasons to complete extensive trialling to changes in crop production techniques leading to counterproductive outcomes contrary to the Government's Environmental Improvement Plan.

The Horticultural Trades Association offers some tips and advice for parliamentarian garden hobbyists during recess.

Thirty tree and plant growers from across the UK came together at the Horticultural Trades Association’s (HTA) Nursery Network Peat-Free event this week to exchange views, experience and knowledge on growing peat-free. The event was hosted by Hillier Nurseries in Romsey near Southampton and included a tour of their mature tree and container crop production sites.

Last week, MPs raised their concerns in Parliament about the intended ban on the professional use of peat being brought forward by four years.

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is showcasing the growth of a greener future at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Representing and supporting 1,400 UK garden businesses, including retailers, growers, manufacturers, and landscapers, the HTA will demonstrate its members’ contributions to the economy as well as the environment and wellbeing through its trade stand, member gardens, events, and communications.

MSPs joined experts, professionals, and academics from Scotland’s horticulture sector at the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday, 10 May at a reception to discuss the future of the industry in relation to the well-being economy, the environment, planning and health.

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has set out a detailed response to the Scottish Government Consultation on Ending the Sale of Peat, representing the views from the breadth of its 1,400-strong membership – from growers to landscapers, retailers to manufacturers.

On Monday, 27 March 2023, the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) hosted a town hall meeting with more than 100 sector professionals to discuss last week's decision by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) regarding the ban on peat.

James Barnes, Chairman, HTA commented:

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has written to the Prime Minister seeking clarification and development on key aspects of the Windsor Framework. HTA is encouraged by the starting point and tone of the Windsor Framework, but in order for its members to see trade return in full, the Association is calling for further developments.

A month after His Majesty the King visited Barcham Trees near Ely, Cambridgeshire, on 3 March, Barcham Trees welcomed the South Cambridgeshire MP, Lucy Frazer to the site.

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has welcomed parts of the deal struck between the UK and EU regarding the Northern Ireland Protocol – stating that ‘real trade can resume again’ for HTA members in Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

On 27 February, Jennifer Pheasey, HTA’s Director of Public Affairs, joined parliamentarians and stakeholders as speaker at a dinner of the Industry and Parliament Trust (IPT). The topic of the event was ‘Sustainable SMEs: Building a Better Future’ and was chaired by Selaine Saxby MP, with HTA and the Federation of Small Businesses as speakers.

The Horticultural Trades Association’s letter to the Chancellor ahead of the Spring Budget sets out clear asks for action on the cost of doing business, water resilience and trade, as businesses across UK horticulture continue to see soaring costs and face another challenging weather year.