Regulation
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species webinar
The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) hosted a webinar on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species in collaboration with APHA, Border Force and Defra.
Worth watching
BBC Countryfile features Border Control Post issues
For BBC Countryfile, Joe Crowley provides a detailed overview of the concerns and ongoing problems of the new border checks and their impact on farmers, food and the industry.
Environment
Second reading of peat bill delayed
MP Sarah Dyke’s second reading of the bill aiming for the prohibition of the sale of peat is delayed until the 4th of July.
Regulation
The benefits from Brexit have yet to be seen, says the HTA
Four years after the full impacts of Brexit checks, businesses in our sector are still grappling with soaring costs, significant delays, stock damage, and excessive bureaucracy.
Regulation
National Planning Policy Framework to boost building
The government has released the final version of the National Planning Policy Framework, confirming the re-introduction of mandatory housing targets and new ‘golden rules’ for building on the Green Belt.
Business
Seismic impact of the Autumn Budget on horticulture
New survey data from the Horticultural Trades Association highlights the severity of the risks posed to the horticulture sector by the Autumn Budget.
Regulation
New EU General Product Safety Regulations
The new EU General Product Safety Regulations come into effect this week, affecting all businesses associated with the supply or sale of products on the EU market.
Business
Potential GDP contribution of the Environmental Horticulture & Landscaping sector worth £51.2 billion
In 2023, the environmental horticulture sector contributed £38 billion to the UK economy, supporting over 722,000 jobs, which by 2030, could be worth £51.2 billion, states new report.
Regulation
HTA and FPC seek urgent action as border crisis worsens
The Horticultural Trades Association and the Fresh Produce Consortium have issued further calls for action on the worsening border-related issues to the Environment Secretary, Rt Hon Steve Reed MP.
Regulation
Autumn budget creates destabilising uncertainty and hinders growth, says the HTA
The Horticultural Trades Association asks the Chancellor of the Exchequer for consultation before implementing the 2024 Autumn Budget measures, which will be extremely damaging to many horticultural businesses.
Regulation
Scottish Parliament’s Gardening & Horticulture Cross-Party Group discuss sector challenges with Rural Affairs Minister
The Scottish Parliament’s Gardening and Horticulture Cross-Party Group hosted Rural Affairs Minister Jim Fairlie MSP to discuss the sector’s opportunities and challenges.
Careers
Autumn Budget likely to dampen hiring, says KPMG
The October KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs signalled declines in permanent and temporary placements, with experts warning further dampening due to the Autumn Budget
Regulation
Ten-Minute Motion by MP Sarah Dyke on prohibition of the sale of peat: HTA response
Today, Sarah Dyke, Liberal Democrat MP of Glastonbury and Somerton conducted the first reading of a Ten-Minute Rule bill to end the sale of peat.
Regulation
Ruth Davis appointed as the first UK’s Special Representative for Nature
The UK government has appointed Ruth Davis OBE as the first Special Representative for Nature, a joint FCDO and Defra role reporting into the Environment Secretary and the Foreign Secretary.
Business
Newly established: Growing Media Manufacturers’ Council
A coalition of growing media manufacturers have formed the ‘Growing Media Manufacturers’ Council’ to champion a positive future for growing media.
Business
Tough Autumn Budget for business
The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves has delivered the Labour Government’s first Autumn Budget to Parliament which will be tough for businesses.
Regulation
Ten-Minute Rule Motion to prohibit the sale of peat
On the 6th of November 2024, Sarah Dyke, Liberal Democrat MP of Glastonbury and Somerton will conduct the first reading of a Ten-Minute Rule bill to end the sale of peat.
Regulation
Horticultural Trades Association & the Fresh Produce Consortium call for urgent government action on the border
The Horticultural Trades Association and the Fresh Produce Consortium have issued a joint letter to the government, calling for urgent action following October roundtable meeting on plants, cut flowers, and border-related issues.
Regulation
Defra’s new Plant Health Information Service welcomed but needs further development
Defra has published the new Plant Health Information (PHI) Service, which provides information on phytosanitary requirements for importing plants, seeds, and plant products into Great Britain.
Regulation
Industry response to 2025 Seasonal Worker Scheme plans
The government has outlined a package of measures for seasonal workers employed by farmers and growers in the UK’s horticulture, poultry and sheep sectors.