Commenting on the Government Response, James Barnes, HTA chairman, commented:“The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) actively supported the Lords’ Inquiry and welcomed its wide-ranging report. The report recognised the importance of UK environmental horticulture, from its contribution to the economy to the pursuit of a net-zero future.

“The Government’s response fails to grasp the opportunity to truly recognise the cross- government reach of the sector to deliver on key policies or the need for swift action and urgent announcements – including on imminent trade costs and April border changes – which present a real and present threat to sector viability and growth.

“The HTA remains committed to growing the profile and impact of environmental horticulture with government and policy-makers, and in anticipation of a general election, has set out its top-ten asks for a future government. These asks include creating a cross-government Office for Green Spaces to deliver a Horticulture Strategy, which is important to underwriting UK climate change ambitions. We implore any future government to re-open the response to this report, understand the significance of what is being asked, work in partnership with ourselves and the industry, and have the mandate and motivation to truly recognise the needs and potential of the original green industry.”