HTA
HTA highlights the GB-NI trade challenges to Parliamentary Committee
The Horticultural Trades Association delivered evidence to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee as part of its inquiry into the operation of the Windsor Framework.
Regulation
The Gardens Trust could be stripped of statutory consultee role in planning system
Aimed to speed up the planning system, the government announced a reduction in statutory consultees and that the scope of other statutory consultees will be narrowed.
Regulation
The Green Spaces Bill heard in Parliament
The second reading of MP Caroline Voaden’s Private Members’ Bill took place on the 7th of March, seeking to establish a Government Office for Urban Green Spaces.
Regulation
New Bill to champion green spaces and environmental horticulture
MP Caroline Voaden’s Private Members’ Bill, seeks to establish a Government Office for Urban Green Spaces.
Gardens
Green light for Manchester Digital Campus and city centre park
Planning consent has been granted for the new government office complex in Ancoats, Manchester alongside a new urban park.
Regulation
HTA Response to Environment Secretary’s Plan for Change Announcement
Designed to ease tension with farmers, the Environment Secretary, Rt Hon Steve Reed MP announced a series of policy announcements at the National Farmers’ Union conference.
Business
National Apprenticeship Week: Additional government support is needed
As a sector dominated by SMEs, the Horticultural Trades Association seeks to remove any barriers to the take up of apprentices, recognising the sector’s current significant shortfall.
Gardens
In protection of London’s Victoria Tower Gardens
London Parks & Gardens is nominating the Grade II listed, Victoria Tower Gardens to included on the Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.
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
