Regulation
Industry response to the Shropshire Review on labour shortages
Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Policy at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) comments on the Government Response to the Shropshire Review into Labour Shortages.
Regulation
Next step House of Lords’ Horticultural Committee Enquiry
On the 19th of April, the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) were witness to the next step in the Parliamentary process for the House of Lords’ Horticultural Committee Inquiry.
Environment
Forestry Commission on reducing plastic tree guards usage
The Forestry Commission outlines their move towards more sustainable forestry with plastic usage reduction and recycling programmes.
Regulation
Ten-Minute Rule Motion to prohibit the sale of peat set for second reading
The Private Members’ Bill to ban the sale of horticultural peat met with some opposition in the House of Commons, but will see a second reading.
Business
Small businesses berate new import fees
The horticulture sector is not alone in their condemnation for the newly announced post-Brexit, import Common User Charges coming in later this month.
Regulation
Common User Charge Rates announced
Defra has announced the Common User Charge (CUC) rates and how the charge will apply to imports entering Great Britain through Dover and Eurotunnel from 30 April 2024.
Marketing
‘Misleading’ EasiGrass advert banned
The Advertising Standards Authority banned Easigrass advert on the grounds the marketing materials misled consumers over supposed green credentials of plastic grass
Regulation
Horticulture industry calls for urgent clarity ahead of ‘cliff-edge’ border changes
The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) and its members are pleading with the government to act swiftly and responsibly to secure the future of environmental horticulture.
Regulation
Uplift Woodland Creation Offer payments
Defra and the Forestry Commission announce significant uplift in England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) payments to increase tree planting across the country.
Business
Almost 10,000 UK PBRs at risk of cancellation
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) published the latest edition of the Gazette Special Edition listing all UK Plant Breeders Rights (PBR) corrected up to 29 February 2024.
Innovation
AI drones able to identify botrytis
Researchers from Unmanned Valley, Greenport DB, and NL Space Campus have successfully developed an AI model that enables drones to identify botrytis.
Business
Prime Minister warned of imminent risks of border changes to the horticultural industry
In a letter, the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has issued an urgent plea to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to take immediate action to safeguard the industry.
Business
Spring Budget 2024
In his Spring Budget speech, the chancellor unveiled package of measures, deemed ‘thin’, amounting to around £10bn of tax cuts – half of the autumn statement.
Regulation
Hedgerow regulations to be brought into law to protect wildlife
English hedgerows will be protected in law as the government sets out its plans for domestic hedgerow regulations, following a consultation last year.
Regulation
Preventing the spread of invasive plants from gardens
Invasive non-native plants and animals are one of the top drivers of biodiversity loss and cost the economy over £2 billion a year.
Business
Future of plant imports: urgent government action needed
With just nine weeks until the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) changes the Horticultural Trades Association warns of risks to the future of UK plant trade.
Environment
Southern Water fined £330,000
Double pump failure diverts sewage across fields into watercourse near Southampton for nearly 20 hours.
Regulation
Ten weeks to critical border shift
Just ten weeks before the UK government’s planned switch-off of the Place of Destination (PoD) system on 30th April, when Border Control Points (BCPs) are set to become operational.
Business
Michael Gove visits nursery to discuss critical April border changes
Plants Limited welcomed the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP in Surrey to discuss concerns of the border changes.
Business
Cost of doing business in environmental horticulture
The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has set out clear asks to the Chancellor of the Exchequer ahead of the Spring Statement 2024.