The Horticultural Trades Association welcomes the publication by the government of the Independent Review of Net-Zero, and supports its recommendation for more action to ensure the economic benefits of green growth can be realised.

In 2021, the UK’s environmental horticulture sector published ‘Unlocking Green Growth’, which set out the key enablers and opportunities for delivering green growth. The HTA has also published a separate paper which found that the sector – if given the necessary regulatory and policy support – has the potential to play an integral role in advancing five out of the ten aims in the UK’s 25-year environmental plan.

Jennifer Pheasey, HTA’s Director of Public Affairs, commented: “Environmental horticulture in the UK contributes significantly to the economy, the environment and to physical and mental health. The Net-Zero Review recognises the value of green spaces, the role of tree planting, as well as other nature-based measures to support the government’s net-zero ambitions.

“The HTA seeks robust policy-making and proportionate environmental regulation, which will ensure businesses can continue to thrive and contribute to this journey. We’re also calling for consideration to be given to extending the scope of existing policy frameworks, such as climate change agreements, which would benefit the wider horticulture industry.”

The HTA is a member of the Ornamental Horticulture Roundtable Group, which published the Unlocking Green Growth document and submitted evidence to the Independent Review of Net-Zero. The HTA also participated in a British Retail Consortium roundtable with Chris Skidmore MP, at which the HTA raised questions over the complexity and clarity needed for Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations.

The HTA Sustainability Roadmap can be found here: https://hta.org.uk/news-events-current-issues/sustainability 

Unlocking Green Growth and the HTA’s report on How the Environmental Horticulture and Landscaping Industry underwrites the 25-year environment plan can be found here: https://hta.org.uk/policy/unlocking-green-growth