In a Politics Home article, former DEFRA Minister Trudy Harrison welcomed the Horticultural Trades Association advocacy for an Office for Green Spaces and a bold initiative for urban greening.

Following the release of the HTA Environmental Horticulture Manifesto in January, which outlines ten key priorities for the UK's future government, Trudy Harrison highlights the critical importance of green spaces, plant health, and sustainable practices in positioning the UK as a global leader in environmental horticulture.

The HTA is keen to see the creation of a cross-government Office for Green Spaces, which would be tasked with maximising the value of green spaces in all aspects of policymaking and regulatory impact assessments.

Former DEFRA Minister Trudy Harrison MP writes:

“More than most other European countries, we in the UK are faced with a modern life health and wellbeing crisis, coupled with the undisputed and dramatic loss of nature’s habitat over recent decades,” she told PoliticsHome. “I therefore wholeheartedly welcome the HTA’s call for an Office for Green Spaces and a bold new programme of urban greening.

“It is now widely understood that gardens, parks and urban green (and blue) spaces have the potential to heal mind, body and soul whilst offering sanctuary to creatures great and small between buildings and built-up communities.

“As DEFRA’s former Minister for Nature, I have visited many nurseries and businesses operating within the horticulture sector and these opportunities and concerns are well reflected by the HTA. I support the priorities as listed and urge serious consideration and swift implementation.

“Covering nearly half a million hectares, gardens in the UK provide countless benefits for society, wildlife and the planet we all share. The sector is worth over £28bn in GDP, with huge scope to expand, and the HTA’s championing of its members – the highly skilled workforce within the environmental horticulture supply chain, ensuring 30 million gardeners continue to grow – is perfectly illustrated in their 2024 manifesto.”

Environmental horticulture is crucial to the UK's economic and environmental landscape. As well as contributing £28bn to the economy, the sector supports 674,000 jobs and plays a key role in underpinning the country's environmental and net-zero goals. 

Research conducted by YouGov on behalf of the HTA in December 2023 revealed significant recognition among MPs for the environmental horticultural industry. With 82% acknowledging its benefits to jobs and skills, 80% to national health and wellbeing, 76% to the environment and biodiversity, and 72% to the economy, there's a clear consensus on its importance. Notably, a majority of MPs, 53%, support the creation of a cross-government Office for Green Spaces, echoing the HTA's primary policy recommendation.

David Lydiat, HTA Public Affairs and Policy Manager, said:

"The HTA is delighted to have such a parliamentary advocate as Trudy Harrison MP. She has the experience, credibility and understanding of the benefits of environmental horticulture. Our Manifesto highlights how the next government can work with and support the industry. This will ensure a flourishing trade that underpins the Environmental Improvement Plan, many rural jobs and the enjoyment of 30 million British gardeners."

Trudy Harrison's support for an Office for Green Spaces underscores the importance of collaboration between government and industry to realise environmental sustainability and societal wellbeing, which is key to harnessing the full potential of environmental horticulture for the benefit of the nation.

You can read the full article on Politics Home.