Public Affairs & Policy

The Horticultural Trades Association represents the entire supply chain for the UK’s environmental horticulture and gardening industry. We are vital to achieving Defra’s flagship ambitions in the Environmental Improvement Plan.

Moreover, we support 722,000 jobs, contribute £38 billion to GDP and deliver a near £8.4 billion in tax revenues. We have the potential for significant growth in our sector which would lead to a stronger economy, diverse flora production to mitigate climate change, flooding and air pollution, greening urban areas, an increase in mental and physical health benefits and provide an exciting industry to start an apprenticeship or green career in. However, we need key-stakeholders to recognise environmental horticulture’s value as both a policy solution and priority, to take up the encouraging recommendations of the House of Lords Horticulture Committee Inquiry, to be more proportionate to SMEs with regulation and to act quickly to solve the concerns of border trade, allowing our tree and plant growers to import vital plant products without existing uncertainties and burdens