The Environmental Horticulture Group (EHG) consisting of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the Arboricultural Association and the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) hosted the briefing for the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Gardening and Horticulture (APPGHG).
Attended by parliamentarians and leaders, the meeting was facilitated by the RHS, provided members from both Houses with the opportunity to hear from Clare Matterson OBE, Director General of the RHS, and Boyd Douglas-Davis, Chair of the EHG.
Also attending was Raymond Evison, who presented Baroness Fookes with the Baroness Fookes Clematis. The purple hued clematis was bred in honour of her being one of the first people to be awarded the RHS Elizabeth Medal of Honour, in 2023, presented by His Majesty King Charles III, for all the exceptional work she has done in supporting British Environmental Horticulture and Landscaping, and assisting with parliamentary debates in the House of Lords.
According to the HTA, the recent EHG reports, ‘Mission Green Growth’ and accompanying economic analysis with Oxford Economics, were the focus of the briefing, revealing that the potential of the environmental horticulture industry to make significant contributions to the UK economy. By 2030, it could support GDP contributions worth £51.2 billion and create 763,000 jobs, representing a 45% growth opportunity with adequate government support.
The EHG works closely with the government to secure greater support for the sector, including garden centres and their supply chains, public and private gardens, commercial growers and nurseries, arboriculture, and domestic and commercial landscaping.
“The EHG calls for the UK government to adopt a collaborative strategy supporting green economic growth, workforce development, sustainable urban spaces, climate resilience, and healthcare integration, positioning horticulture as essential for a sustainable, healthy, and resilient future. Chelsea provides a valuable platform and setting to engage parliamentarians and highlight our sector’s importance for the economy, the environment, health and wellbeing. The need for understanding and support for key issues discussed today will hopefully ensure a thriving future for our industry. Being able to introduce them to our members involved with the impressive displays provided a valuable opportunity for them to witness firsthand the innovation, diversity, and scale of the UK’s horticulture and landscape businesses and engage directly with those driving the industry forward,” said Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Public Affairs at the HTA.
