Malcolm Catlin appointed Project Director of Plant Healthy Certification Scheme

As the new Project Director, Malcolm Catlin MCIHort will oversee the development of the Plant Healthy scheme and standard to minimise the risks of pests and diseases.

Malcolm Catlin

Formed in 2018, the Plant Health Alliance promotes plant health and biosecurity measures to protect plant species and associated ecosystems (natural capital) in the United Kingdom and beyond. The alliance spans organisations across ornamental horticulture, forestry and general land management sectors and includes trade associations, environmental NGOs and government agencies. Crocus and Greenwood Plants are amongst those certified ‘Plant Healthy’ by the scheme.

Malcom Catlin has worked in horticulture for the last 31 years, including running a mail order plant business, commercial and technical roles for suppliers of plants to multiple and online retailers and, for the last 6 years, as a consultant providing support on product sourcing and selection, compliance standards, sustainability reporting and plant health. He is also a member, and current Chair of the Eastern Branch, of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture.

Catlin’s is an important role at a key time for plant health in the UK to continue to deliver a robust programme that maintains and raises plant health standards across the horticultural, arboricultural and forestry sectors and associated industries – in an accessible and practical manner, that makes good business sense.

Sir Nicholas Bacon, Chair of the Plant Health Alliance, has welcomed Malcolm to his new position and paid tribute to Alistair Yeomans who has made a major contribution in this role over the last 5 years and will continue to provide support to the scheme.