The Horticultural Trades Association is holding virtual events on Friday (March 4) for retailers and growers on the subject of peat in growing media.

The events are open to all – not just HTA members – and are an opportunity for people to hear about the work of the Growing Media Taskforce and how it is preparing a response to the government consultation on banning peat and what they can do to get involved. 

Introduced by HTA Chairman, James Barnes, both events will hear from HTA Director of Research and Insight, David Denny. Representatives from the Growing Media Taskforce, including Neil Bragg from the GMA, will attend both sessions.

Rachel McQuilliam, Media Relations & Communications Manager at the HTA, explained to GTN Xtra: "They’ve been organised to help build awareness of the work the taskforce has been doing and how it plans to respond to the consultation at the same time as ensure that the industry understands where to get support and how to get involved in responding if they wish to do so. Mike Burks and Boyd Douglas-Davies will be at the retailers’ event.

"The response to the consultation is still being written (it’s being compiled for the deadline on 18 March), so I can’t share that with you I’m afraid, but yes, people will be able to ask questions and if they can’t be there they can submit them in advance."

The event for retailers is at 10.30am – you can register to attend here. 

The event for growers is at 2pm – you can register here.