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.
Regulation
Environmental Horticulture key asks for Autumn Budget
The Horticultural Trades Association has called for vital action from the Chancellor of the Exchequer to support the environmental horticulture sector ahead of the 2024 Autumn Budget.
Regulation
HTA engagement Political Party Conferences
The final day of the Conservative Party conference marked the close of the Horticultural Trades Association’s active participation in this year’s political party conference season.
HTA
HTA hosts Defra & APHA officials for a member town hall
The Horticultural Trades Association live-streamed a Town Hall to members, with Defra and APHA representatives at a regional event hosted by Joseph Rochford Gardens, Hertford.
Natural Capital
The provision of gardens needs to be central to UK housebuilding targets, says the RHS
The Royal Horticultural Society is calling for a review of the Biodiversity Net Gain 4.0 metric, updated planning guidelines to require cultivated landscapes, and garden masterplans for urban areas.
Regulation
International, EU & UK horticultural and floricultural association plant health cooperation
Union Fleurs, the Dutch Association of Wholesalers in Flowers and Plants (VGB) and HTA participated in the EU Domestic Advisory Group UK – EU, and Civil Society Forum meeting.
Regulation
HTA calls for urgent resolve of plant consignments held at Sevington Border Control
In response to multiple plant consignments held at Sevington BCP, the HTA has released a statement as they continue to help those affected and engage directly with Defra and APHA.
