In This Issue
Sustainability - Doing nothing is dangerous
Record start to the year, reveals GTN Bestsellers
100km team relay for industry construction specialists
100% natural weed prevention product launched in UK
Buyers flock to Glee at Spring Fair as exhibitors report brisk business from UK and overseas
Glee at Spring Fair New Product Showcase winners
Plant sales up as primulas lead the way
Kelkay win GWP business from rivals
Gardenex secures funding for National Hardware Show
Hillier Nurseries and partners going extra mile to support new Maggie’s Centre Southampton
Pictures from GCA Conference themed-party night
Zest 4 Leisure reveals Charity of the Year for 2020
Award-winning reputation grows for leading garden centre
Gordale staff star in BBC One TV programme
Clothing and houseplants show increases in December
Freedom of City of London granted to compost firm's MD
Get your own copy of GTN Xtra
LeisureGrow Group Enhances Sales Management Team with Focus on Pet, Garden & Lighting Growth
Have drip feeders had their day?
Garden retail expert bolsters Vitax’s sales team
Weather, Peat or Price?
Empathy by PlantWorks appoint sales manager for the North
Wild Bird Care sales down
Flymo announces its Ambassador for 2020
Red Baron and Pink Fir Apple lead in the veg patch
HTA applaud vote to keep Universal Business Rates in Scotland
The best of last week's
January sales up on past three years
Glee at Spring Fair is open
Launch of Young People in Horticulture Association
Lubera win award for Best Novelty Bedding Plant
HTA comments on Brexit and Environment Bill
January plant sales are a good omen for a great 2020
Gardenex announces Joe Denham as new chairman
Garden Centre Photo Tours
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week
Buy your subscription to GTN Bestsellers
Casual Dining previews new exhibitors & new launches for 2020
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Email neil.pope@tgcmc.co.uk, or trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or call the GTN News team on 01733 775700


HTA comments on Brexit and Environment Bill
 

The Government introduced its Environment Bill to Parliament on Thursday and the Horticultural Trades Association has issue its response.

 

James Clark, Director of Policy and Communications at the HTA, said: “Horticulture and green infrastructure have such a huge role to play in mitigating climate change, delivering the Government’s ambitious aim of being net-zero by 2050 and creating a greener Britain.

 

“The introduction of the Environment Bill signifies the importance that Government is placing on the environment by putting the 25-year Environment Plan on a statutory footing.  A strong and vibrant horticulture sector is key to delivering many of the policy targets outlined in the Bill and we will be highlighting to Government how the industry can contribute.

 

“On recycling, it is paramount that there is a consistent approach across all local authorities. If all local authorities collected and recycled plant pots this would prevent 8,000 tonnes a year going to landfill. When developing plans around increased producer responsibility for waste it will be important that the Government engages with business to ensure that changes do not result in excessive burden, especially for small and medium-sized businesses.

 

“Finally, horticulture makes a significant contribution to improving air quality. Increased planting of trees and shrubs in public and private spaces, especially in towns and cities, will reduce the impact of poor air quality. In order to fulfil increased demand for UK grown plants and trees, the UK nursery production sector will require investment in infrastructure.”

 

The HTA also issued a comment regarding the UK’s exit from the EU which took place on Friday.

 

James Clark said: “Following the UK’s exit from the EU the delivery of a viable and realistic trade deal over the next 11 months will be challenging but critical. There are so many areas impacting on horticulture – from alignment on customs and excise, trade with Northern Ireland, biosecurity, environmental standards and immigration. It is important that a sensible and pragmatic approach is taken which allows for seamless trading without additional burden for horticultural businesses.

 

“Horticulture plays such an important role in the UK’s future from an environmental and economic perspective. With a new landscape ahead of us there will be opportunities presented such as the repurposing of EU monies for wider environment initiatives. We will be making sure that the voice of horticulture is heard in the discussions over the coming months.”

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