Commenting on the Chancellor's announcements today, Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Public Affairs, said:
"HTA members across the breadth of the UK horticultural sector have seen energy and other business costs mounting; that is why we called for immediate action to support horticulture businesses and provide certainty. We welcome action by the government to take steps to ease this pressure and for listening to our calls. It will, however, not be until businesses see their bills that the reality of these measures and reliefs is fully understood."
"After summer droughts, weakening consumer confidence, energy costs, and wider economic pressure, this will be a challenging winter."
"We also need clarity on measures to 'reform the supply side of the economy – with the Chancellor's reference to 'agriculture production, the importance of ornamental (environmental) horticulture must not be underestimated. There is significant potential to support investment in R&D, innovation, and automation. This will provide both economic and environmental return on investment."
For more information
Horticultural Trades Association
www.the-hta.org.uk