Members of the Horticultural Trades Association attended this year’s European Nurserystock Association annual General Assembly at IPM Essen, setting out the sector’s asks on the shared ambition for a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary trade agreement between the UK and Europe.

Sally Cullimore, the HTA’s Technical and Trade Policy Manager, and Guy Massey from Joseph Rochford Gardens - the HTA’s representative for ENA – presented on the details of key issues of interest to European supply chains during the meeting, as well as attending ENA’s Green City celebrations, AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards and meeting HTA member exhibitors at the show.

ENA members from across Europe also heard how a new SPS agreement is expected to reduce trade barriers and facilitate a smoother flow of plant material between the UK and EU member states, while maintaining biosecurity and plant health.

Sally Cullimore, Technical and Trade Policy Manager at the HTA, said:

“The ENA General Assembly meeting is an important opportunity to champion UK horticultural growers and our international supply-chain relationships. As our nearest neighbours, our sister organisations across Europe share many common challenges, from skills to sustainability and trade. Connecting and learning from others, as well as collaborating, helps support a strong sector. As EU-UK reset negotiations continue and, we hope, swiftly conclude, we look forward to working closely with HTA members and their European supply-chains to support preparedness to maximise this opportunity, reduce costs, friction and grow the sector.”

Guy Massey, Production Manager at Joseph Rochford Gardens, added:

“As the HTA’s nominated representative to ENA, I continue to see real value in representing the UK industry - sharing best practice, learning from international colleagues, and strengthening constructive dialogue across Europe. I remain fully committed to developing our collaborative work within ENA, particularly around shared priorities such as the proposed new SPS agreement with Europe, the future role of peat in horticulture, the attraction and retention of a skilled workforce, inspiring the next generation, and the continued digitisation of our sector, while also recognising horticulture’s wider contribution in addressing climate change and supporting mental health and wellbeing by reconnecting people with the natural world.

“While optimism remains for the successful negotiation and implementation of a UK–EU SPS Agreement, we remain short on detail. The ENA General Assembly provides a valuable forum to share information with representatives from across Europe and to discuss practical solutions to current border issues, alongside other commonly shared priorities such as sustainability, grower protocols and trade barriers, while also promoting the wider benefits of horticulture in supporting environmental resilience and improving the wellbeing of the population.”