The incredible surge in demand for growing media, fuelled by lockdown and the good weather, saw manufacturers struggling to obtain many of the full range of materials, including peat, required to produce their product. As a result, supply was very much outstripped by demand in both the hobby and professional markets.
With most of the peat used in the UK growing media market sourced from the Republic of Ireland, there have also been concerns about the impact of Irish legislation requiring planning approval for peat extraction.
"We understand from Irish growing media manufacturers that there is sufficient supply of peat going into 2021. Growing Media Ireland (GMI) is working closely with the Irish Government and taking an active part in conversations about the issue. We believe the Irish Government is proposing legislative changes to amend planning requirements for extraction", HTA posts in an announcement on their website.
For more information:
Horticultural Trades Association
Horticulture House
19 High Street
Theale
Reading
West Berkshire
RG7 5AH
T: +44 (0)118 930 3132
Fax: +44 (0)118 932 3453
NGGV: +44 (0)118 930 2092
www.the-hta.org.uk