Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) members had the opportunity to join industry stakeholders for a panel discussion with Rebecca Grant from Joseph Rochford Gardens, HTA Technical Policy Manager Sally Cullimore, plus Jason Pollock from Defra and Tracy Wilson from APHA, who both joined remotely. Topics for discussion included the transition to peat-free, the HTA’s policy work and business schemes, and the current Border Control Post issues.
Sally Cullimore, HTA Technical Policy Manager, said: “Streaming our regular members meeting in front of a live audience with a panel worked really well. We addressed recent issues experienced at the border, took questions and heard insights from members of the audience who grasped the opportunity to talk directly with APHA & DEFRA representatives. I really enjoyed the direct interaction with members and hope to see more of these hybrid on-site events in the future, which will bring HTA closer to our membership.”
Rebecca Grant, Joseph Rochford Gardens, said: “It’s great to have this event come together so quickly from an idea discussed in July this year. Jeremy from the HTA grabbed and ran with it to make it the success we’ve seen today. We’re so pleased to have been involved in the first HTA Town Hall Live. We felt that it would be worth holding if we had ten people, so we were thrilled with the turnout. It’s fantastic to bring members from the local area together as we all share the same problems and can help each other – it’s incredibly valuable. I encourage all HTA members to engage with events happening locally to them.”
The town hall was part of a regional member event series, which the HTA launched in August. Events have so far taken place in Scotland, Hampshire, Cornwall, West Midlands, Northern England, Yorkshire and the Northeast.