The House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee has launched an inquiry into education and careers in land-based sectors. 

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) welcomes this inquiry as it provides a platform to highlight the pivotal role of horticulture in delivering green skills, jobs and rewarding careers. It is especially encouraging to note that the Committee Chair, Sir Robert Goodwill MP, has acknowledged horticulture as distinct from agriculture, recognising the wide range of career opportunities within our sector.

Jennifer Pheasey, HTA Director of Public Affairs, commented: “This inquiry provides an important opportunity to raise the profile of careers in environmental horticulture. Challenges in attracting and recruiting into the sector have long been identified as barriers to growth. The current directly employed workforce is 420,000 people.

"The HTA is looking forward to responding to the committee’s inquiry to highlight some of the challenges its members face and some of the possible solutions. The sector is working through many avenues to inspire and attract talented young individuals to contribute to the future of horticulture while simultaneously creating an inclusive environment that welcomes adults seeking career changes and those passionate about making a meaningful environmental impact.

"With such a breadth of roles and routes available, our industry has the potential to offer rewarding and sustainable employment opportunities for everyone. We believe this must be better understood and recognised by all stakeholders and policymakers involved in education, skills and career advice.”

The HTA now seeks inputs and views from members (policy@hta.org.uk) to shape its written evidence, with the submission deadline being 3 November.

At its National Conference on 5 October, the HTA's Learning and Development Manager, Alex Jenkins, will chair a panel discussion addressing pressing questions on how to inspire, equip, and empower the leaders of tomorrow in horticulture. The panel will explore topics ranging from embracing diversity and inclusivity to harnessing innovative training and development approaches, uncovering the keys to nurturing a vibrant and capable workforce.

For more details on the inquiry visit: https://committees.parliament.uk/call-for-evidence/3256