At a recent Horticultural Trade Association’s (HTA) event, IML Labels were invited to be involved in the pilot of a new Plant Health Regulation Scheme.
A newly formed Plant Health Steering Group sees IML collaborating with Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the HTA to develop an effective plant health regulation scheme to be used by nurseries and growers, regardless of their size or turnover.
We currently produce plant passports and licenses for our existing horticultural customers, and thanks to our close links to this sector, and our plant labelling expertise, we were chosen to help develop this scheme to ensure plant health regulation is prioritised, supported and maintained throughout the horticultural industry.
Horticultural goods should be certified as being free from disease and contagions allowing goods to be imported and exported with confidence.
The UK is leading the way in terms of plant health innovation and implementation. However, between 5 and 10 new threats to plant health are being recorded on the Plant Health Register per month. This figure highlights the need for a regulated, recognised and universal system for plant health safeguarding. We recently attended the HTA‘s Contact Conference to explore the benefits of a Plant Health Regulation Scheme.
As this project is still in the early phases, the exact requirements of the scheme are yet to be defined. However, it is thought that it will consist of the following elements:
- A full review of the current system.
- Staff training to ensure a consistent level of knowledge and understanding.
- A code of good practice for businesses to adhere to.
- Thorough recording of plant health issues and actions.
- The production of disease resilient stock.
- Raising awareness of the scheme through customers, staff, contractors, suppliers and the general public.
- A commitment to continual improvement of plant health regulations.
And we know a thing or two when it comes to horticultural labels. We understand that these labels need to be attractive as well as informative. Equally as important – plant labels need to be able to withstand the elements. It needs to have all the necessary transport information and also be attractive to potential plant buyers.
When we entered the horticultural labels market our customers’ wish lists included labels which were resistant to water, chemicals, UV light, frost and prolonged outdoor exposure. Label types differed according to preference and plant type, ranging from loop-locks to stick-ins, and self-adhesives to bed cards, often a mix of all. Then along came technology to complicate matters further! In the early days many growers had hot foil and dot matrix printers, before the days of thermal transfer and colour laser systems. We developed and refined our range of labels, software and printing systems to keep up with the changing needs of the industry.
In today’s competitive retail marketplace your plant labels not only have to be durable, they need to communicate important information about the variety, care instructions and price of your plants. However, above all else, they need to act as a marketing tool by attracting your customers’ attention and encouraging them to head for the till. So how can you strike a good balance between functionality and design?
Why are plant labels so important?
Having beautiful plants on display is only part of the battle when it comes to running a successful retail horticultural business. While the array of colours and smells will undoubtedly draw your customers in, some young plants and shrubs need a helping hand when it comes to visualising a mature plant and getting customers to make a purchase.
This is where your labels go to work and why they are so important.
Before making a purchase, a plant label ensures the customer knows exactly what they’re buying and whether it is suitable for their garden or the space they’re intending to plant it.
Labels also provide a way of displaying each plant’s unique care instructions, so durability is paramount here. Useful information needs to remain legible long after the customer has got the plant home, so they can refer back to it and ensure they’re looking after it properly. For a relatively low cost, a well-made plant label ensures your branding and reputation for quality are prevalent for the life-cycle of the plant. This builds a sense of trust between you and your customer, encouraging them to return to you time and time again for their horticultural purchases.
What vital information should be included?
You should always include the following important information:
- Plant name – both the common and botanical versions
- Exposure – how much sunlight is needed
- Spacing – how far apart to plant (if appropriate)
- Height and width – when mature
- Watering requirements
- Fertilizer – if needed
- Flowering time of the year
- Price
Carl von Linné introduced the Binomial System of naming which gives the Genus and Species of the plant. The use of a single, universal scientific name means that everybody can understand it, no matter where they are in the world or what language they speak.
Additional notes can also be included on a plant label, such as details on cultivation, growth habit and flowering and fruiting. Finally, please also note that plants should be certified as being free from disease and contagions allowing goods to be imported and exported with confidence.
For more information:
IML Labels & Systems Ltd (Southern Division & Horticulture)
Suite 1
Silvaco Technology Centre
Compass Point
St Ives
Cambridgeshire
PE27 5JL
+44 (0)1954 233760
horticulture@iml-labels.co.uk
www.iml-international.com