The Horticultural Trades Association brought plants and a powerful message to Westminster this week, calling on the Government to stop the squeeze and start the growth by backing Britain’s original green industry ahead of next week’s Autumn budget.
The latest "Plants in Parliament" drop-in event on Wednesday, 19 November and sponsored by Ben Goldsborough MP, saw more than 100 MPs, Peers and their teams from across the political spectrum come together to hear how the environmental horticulture sector can drive green growth, green infrastructure, support jobs, and help deliver a healthier and vibrant UK.
As a seasonal twist, over 250 indoor plants, including poinsettias and cyclamen supplied by HTA members Aylett Nurseries from St Albans, were given away as part of each conversation, and six Christmas wreaths were presented to politicians across the different political parties. Other member representation included Melanie Asker from Greenwood Plants, who is also a member of the HTA’s Ornamental Management Committee.
Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, said: "Today’s event was a chance to celebrate the incredible value of environmental horticulture while sending a clear message to the Government ahead of the Autumn Budget. Our sector delivers economic growth, supports skilled jobs, and helps create the green spaces and infrastructure that make our communities thrive.
“But to fulfil that potential, businesses need the right policy environment. Rising costs, new regulatory burdens and uncertainty around Business and Agricultural Property Relief are threatening to hold the sector back. We’re calling on the Chancellor to flip the switch on green growth and back the businesses that make Britain bloom.”
The HTA has been engaging closely with Treasury ministers in recent months to highlight the impact of rising costs, labour shortages and policy uncertainty on horticultural businesses. The association has urged the Government to pause proposed changes to Business and Agricultural Property Relief, allowing for full consultation and impact assessment – a call echoed by many MPs, peers, and the EFRA Select Committee.
Event sponsor Ben Goldsborough MP said: “It was a real pleasure once again to support the HTA’s ‘Plants in Parliament’ event and to see colleagues from all parties come together to celebrate Britain’s original green industry. At this time of year, especially, it’s wonderful to be reminded of the colour, creativity and community spirit that horticulture brings to our lives.
“But this is also serious business, environmental horticulture has huge potential to drive green growth, create skilled jobs and support a healthier environment and events such as this help to showcase the potential of this important sector, and we must help it continue to thrive.”
The HTA also showcased the sector’s potential to grow by 45% to £51.2 billion by 2030 with the right government support, reinforcing the environmental horticultural industry’s role as a key driver of productivity, sustainability and wellbeing.
Fran Barnes added: “Environmental horticulture isn’t just about gardens and green spaces – it’s about jobs, skills and solutions. If the Government truly wants to deliver green growth, this is the moment to prove it.”
