By kind invitation of Royal Anthos, Sally Cullimore, Technical Policy Manager at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), took centre stage on Thursday, 24 August, at PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt, a prestigious horticultural event held in the Netherlands. With a focus on strengthening international collaborations and sharing vital insights, Sally presented a UK update on Borders and Trade.

Sally provided a comprehensive overview of the HTA's pivotal role and the broader UK horticultural trade during her presentation. She delved into current issues, including the complex terrain of borders and trade, encompassing aspects like CITES compliance, plant passports, the latest developments concerning the Border Target Operating Model (TOM), and the ongoing transition towards peat-free alternatives.

Commenting on her presentation, Sally stated: "It was an honour to be invited by Royal Anthos to represent our sector and discuss the critical challenges confronting the UK with borders and trade. Our European partners, particularly in the Netherlands, are integral to the UK's horticultural trade, and their keen interest in Westminster's regulatory deliberations underscores the close connection of our trading landscape. The significance of our EU counterparts cannot be overstated, and we anticipate that UK clients are held in equally high regard."

Mark Jan Terwindt, Chief Executive Officer, Royal Anthos, added: “At Royal Anthos, we are committed to supporting our members in maintaining market access around the globe. As a result of Brexit, we are confronted for the first time that a fully integrated supply chain is at risk of being “disconnected”. We are aware that only through cooperation we will be able to provide lawmakers on both sides of the Channel with the practical implications of their newly created reality. We are grateful to Sally that the HTA was able to make the time available to interact with our members, so their concerns and practical obstacles can be taken back to the UK to use in the process of getting to a workable set of agreements. We will proudly continue to support the HTA efforts.”

In 2022, the UK environmental horticulture sector’s production value was £1.5bn, with UK businesses importing plants, seeds, bulbs, cuttings, and associated products totalling half that value, predominantly from the EU. Of the £753 million worth of plant materials imported, a substantial 80% originated from the Netherlands in the same year. Among HTA member businesses, nearly 80% engaged in importing non-UK sourced plant materials, a figure that surged beyond 90% for growers. Notably, 100% of prominent growers imported plant materials, including trade-ready and starter materials like cuttings and liners.

Sally's participation at PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt signified the HTA's commitment to fostering collaboration, promoting awareness, and navigating the challenges of international horticultural trade developments. As the industry continues to evolve, such dialogues prove instrumental in ensuring a robust and sustainable future for horticultural trade in the UK and beyond.