The Horticultural Trades Association launched its new Environmental Horticulture Growth Strategy —a vision for Wales at the Royal Welsh Show this week. The HTA attended this key event in the British agricultural and horticulture calendar to meet with invited political guests, members and stakeholders.
The new strategy document emphasises the crucial role of gardening and environmental horticulture in both the rural and urban economy and the substantial social, environmental, health, and wellbeing benefits it brings to communities throughout Wales.
The Growth Strategy sets out eight aims and outcomes for Welsh decision-makers:
- Building healthy and resilient communities
- Supporting local businesses
- Protecting biosecurity
- Improving health and wellbeing
- Growing garden tourism
- Increasing Welsh horticultural production
- Securing future skills and workforce
- Developing green economic growth
Andrew R T Davies MS – Member of the Senedd for South Wales Central and the Leader of the Welsh Conservatives and James Evans MS - Member of the Senedd for Brecon and Radnorshire and Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs met with Katie Neenan from the HTA before being introduced to the sector as they walked around the Horticulture Village. This included visiting HTA member Farmyard Nurseries in the grower’s market and their garden display at the show to see firsthand the importance of environmental horticulture and the beauty of what would be lost if not fully supported. Neil Cummings, the HTA’s Member Engagement Manager for Wales, and HTA Member Katie Eckley of The Old Railway Line Garden Centre were also supporting the event.
The topics discussed with stakeholders during the show covered the key asks in the strategy, ranging from the recognition of environmental horticulture and green spaces to grant support, skills, garden tourism, the cost of doing business, health and wellbeing, trade and biosecurity, planning, and retail crime.
James Evans MS - Member of the Senedd for Brecon and Radnorshire and Conservative Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs, said: “I’m grateful to the HTA for introducing me to their members and helping me understand more about the environmental horticulture sector. I look forward to delving into the Growth Strategy and will encourage my colleagues to do the same. From my discussions, it is clear how crucial it is for us to consider the sector a viable policy solution in terms of environment, skills and health. I am committed to continuing these important exchanges.”
Katie Neenan, Senior Public Affairs & Policy Executive of the HTA, said: “As the representative of 85 member businesses across Wales and nearly 1,400 organisations across the entire supply chain of the UK’s gardening and environmental horticulture industry, we are really pleased that cross-party politicians are showing an interest in our sector. The Royal Welsh Show provides a perfect backdrop to discuss and showcase the best of horticulture. We are at a pivotal moment in politics and in acting for both people and the planet's health. It is a challenging time, but our industry is well placed to offer solutions with the right support in place.”
Katie Eckley, Operations Director of The Old Railway Line Garden Centre, commented: “It was great to join the HTA in launching the Environmental Horticulture Growth Strategy and be able to discuss it with others at the show. The Old Railway Line Garden Centre is a family-run, independent business with a dedicated team of approximately 100 employees. It is driven by a passion for plants, people, and the planet and maintains a strong connection with our community. We are proud to be Welsh, but we need to be high on the Senedd’s priority list. This document helps to highlight the importance of our sector, and we hope it will form the basis for future decisions.”
