Reacting to news that lockdown in Northern Ireland is to be extended until 1 April, James Barnes, Chairman of the Horticultural Trades Association, said:
"This is very bad news for horticultural businesses in Northern Ireland where growers and retailers will now lose out on the start of the busiest time of year. The key trading date of Mother's Day is now certain to be written off and without click and collect, there is no hope that investments made in producing/ordering Springtime favourites such as primroses can be recouped.
"We are particularly disappointed that the huge contribution plants and gardening can make to health and wellbeing has been overlooked by Ministers. Our members provide access to a safe and healthy hobby that keeps people at home and allows purchases to be made in a naturally airy and spacious environment.
"We will lobby hard for the Northern Ireland Executive to reconsider the classification of garden centres - we believe they should be included in the list of 'essential' retailers and will continue to press for them to re-open as soon as possible."
Below another statement of HTA, then on the Scottish FM address on lockdown restrictions:
“The news that the Scottish Government will set out a timetable for lockdown easing will provide a degree of certainty for our hard-pressed members. Garden centres are well placed to be in the first wave of any relaxations, offering outdoor, naturally light and airy environments. Gardening benefits people’s health and wellbeing and keeps them at home with something to do. With the season fast approaching, it’s crucial for Scottish growers - who predominately supply Scottish garden centres - to have this route to market to ensure the valuable plants they have produced are not wasted.
While the announcement today of business rates relief being extended to the whole of the year is extremely welcome, it needs to be easy for businesses to apply for. However, fundamentally the Scottish horticulture industry needs garden centres to reopen as soon as possible. Delays further into the season will heap more misery on to a sector struggling under lockdown”.
Horticultural Trades Association19 High Street Theale
Reading, West Berkshire
RG7 5AH, United Kingdom
+44 (0)118 930 3132
www.the-hta.org.uk