UK: HTA responds to Environmental Secretary's plan for change

In response to today's announcements from the Environment Secretary, Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Public Affairs at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), said: "Whilst we recognize today's focus on farming, the value of environmental horticulture as a sector worth £38 billion to the UK economy and supporting 722,000 jobs should be recognized. The industry is facing multiple headwinds, not least the triple-whammy impacts of the Autumn Budget announcements, with National Insurance and living wage hikes landing the sector with a bill of £134 million, and the impacts of the Agricultural Business Property Relief tax changes hitting our sector hard.

"From today's announcements, we welcome the extension of the Seasonal Worker visa route, recognizing the vital role that horticulture plays in the UK economy and environment. This announcement provides essential certainty for growers, and we look forward to collaborating with the government on a long-term, sustainable workforce strategy.

"We urge Steve Reed to extend the commitment to British sourcing in public sector catering to look at the public sector procurement of plants, trees, and landscape services essential for creating thriving public spaces. A strategic approach to public procurement, developed in partnership with the industry, would support British growers, strengthen local supply chains, and help achieve the UK's environmental goals.

"Investment in technology and innovation is crucial, and the environmental horticulture sector must be fully included in this effort and have access to equipment funding. Our sector has a key role in driving sustainability, and support for innovation in areas such as peat-free growing media, water efficiency, and climate resilience will help businesses grow and adapt.

"Today the Environment Secretary focused on animal health. Biosecurity, plant health, and how the border operates are critical and costly issues for UK environmental horticulture and must be higher on the government's agenda. We have significant concerns, including with the current consultation on increased plant health-related fees, which is at a time of mounting costs and problems. Addressing border fees and trade barriers must also remain a priority to facilitate the smooth movement of plants and trees.

"Despite the challenges, the sector is ambitious to deliver on green growth, and we look forward to engaging with the government to address challenges and to ensure that these new policies fully recognize environmental horticulture as well as agriculture and support a strong, sustainable, and resilient sector that benefits people, nature, and the economy."