Retailers, growers and suppliers will gather at Stoneleigh Park  near Coventry next month to discuss current issues affecting the ornamental plants industry.

The occasion is the AGM of the British Ornamental Plant Producers (BOPP) group, which will be followed by a Technical Seminar.

New this year are two interactive workshops providing an opportunity to explore issues that affect individual businesses.

Consultant Paula Edgington will host a workshop on the importance of developing, implementing and maintaining a quality management system, along with an achievable and effective policy and objectives.

Anna Cook (HTA) will host a session focusing on supplier management, covering the benefits of effective management and tools to assess the risks associated with suppliers. There will also be an interactive exercise.

The Horticultural Development Company’s Bolette Neve will discuss what the future holds after a new wave of regulatory pressure has left growers with reduced options for crop protection. She will explore how to navigate the new regulatory landscape.

Other key speakers include Dan Murray (SEDEX) and Raoul Curtis-Machin (HTA).

As well as updates on crop protection and new biocide regulations, the programme will include a grower panel session focussing on biomass boilers. Biomass technology offers the potential for growers to address rising fuel prices and to reduce their environmental impact, although for many there are unanswered questions about its practical implementation. BOPP members, including Richard Harnett (Kernock Park Plants) and Simon Earley (Earley Ornamentals), will share their own experiences of installing the technology and answer questions.

The AGM & Technical Seminar is regarded as a must-attend event for all those looking to keep up to date with the latest legislation and important issues concerning ornamental plant producers.

Places cost £15 + VAT for HTA members and £25 + VAT for non members (go to: the-hta.org.uk/events to book or find out more).