UK: HTA takes the power of plants directly to Parliament

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) hosted another "Plants in Parliament" drop-in event on Wednesday, April 23, attended by around 100 MPs, Peers, and their teams, to bring key industry issues and a touch of spring greenery to Westminster. This is the third time the HTA has held the event in Parliament to raise the profile of environmental horticulture and the vital role it plays in the UK.

The event was sponsored by Ben Goldsborough MP and saw 200 plants being given to parliamentarians to highlight the sector's potential to deliver growth and solutions to pressing challenges.

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, said, "Now more than ever, it's vital that policymakers recognize the immense potential of environmental horticulture to drive economic growth, enhance our environment, and improve the health and well-being of communities across the UK. This event provides a critical opportunity to make that case directly to MPs and Peers and showcase the potential to grow by 45% by 2030 with adequate government support. As a sector, we made a £38 billion contribution to GDP in 2023, and we have the potential to reach £51.2 billion and support 763,000 jobs."

Ben Goldsborough MP commented, "Environmental horticulture is a vital sector for our economy and our environment. I'm delighted to offer my continued support for this event at Portcullis House as an opportunity for my colleagues across all parties to engage with industry leaders and understand the challenges and opportunities facing this important sector. We need to ensure that policies are in place to support sustainable growth, create jobs, and unlock the full potential of environmental horticulture for the benefit of communities across the UK."

MPs and Peers were invited to collect a plant from the diverse selection supplied by HTA members, You Garden, providing a tangible reminder of the variety, value, and beauty the horticulture sector brings. Plants on offer included Chamaedorea elegans (Parlor palm), which is well-suited for offices, Sunflower 'Sunbelievable Brown Eyed Girl'—great for containers or outdoor borders, and Erysimum 'Bowles's Mauve,' known for its exceptionally long flowering period.

Discussions focused on how environmental horticulture is ideally placed to deliver economic, environmental, and health benefits, as well as the HTA's call for greater recognition from policymakers, including support for the Green Spaces Bill and an Office for Green Spaces. The HTA also highlighted the challenges of peak season costs for a sector comprised of over 90% SMEs, emphasizing the impact of rising National Insurance and National Living Wage costs.

Rebecca Grant of Joseph Rochfords and Edward Campbell-Preston of Capital Gardens also attended the event as HTA Members to give a first-hand industry perspective.

Fran Barnes added, "The HTA remains committed to advocating for the needs of our members and ensuring that the voice of the environmental horticultural industry is heard in Westminster. We will continue to work closely with MPs and Peers to promote policies that support a thriving and sustainable future for our sector."