The Scottish Parliament’s Gardening and Horticulture Cross-Party Group, which brings together industry professionals and Members of the Scottish Parliament, hosted Rural Affairs Minister Jim Fairlie MSP on Tuesday afternoon for an engaging discussion on the sector's opportunities and challenges.  

Also attending the group meeting, of which the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is the Secretariat, were representatives from businesses and charities across the sector, as well as Rachael Hamilton MSP, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Convenor of the Gardening and Horticulture CPG.

During the session, the group had the opportunity to discuss the newly launched HTA Scottish Environmental Horticulture Manifesto, which outlines the potential for a £5.1 billion boost to Scotland’s economy by 2030 through horticulture. It aims to promote greener jobs, create healthier and more resilient communities, and support stronger local businesses.

The environmental horticulture sector in Scotland, which includes retailers, growers, manufacturers, wholesalers, landscapers and garden designers, already supports nearly 60,000 jobs and contributes £2.6 billion to Scotland’s GDP. The HTA’s new document emphasises that this economic contribution could almost double by 2030, helping to deliver Scotland’s ambitions for economic growth, wellbeing and net-zero ambitions. 

Rachael Hamilton MSP, Convenor of the Gardening and Horticulture CPG, said: “It was a privilege to convene the Gardening and Horticulture Cross Party Group in the Scottish Parliament to discuss the HTA’s 2026 manifesto and hear the latest industry updates.  

“Their manifesto sets out a clear vision for how horticulture can play a vital role in Scotland’s future, supporting mental and physical wellbeing, boosting economic growth, and creating further opportunities for education and skills development.

“With the sector already contributing £2.6 billion to Scotland’s economy and supporting nearly 60,000 jobs, it’s important we support the horticulture industry so it can continue to deliver benefits for communities and the environment. I look forward to continuing to work with the industry to ensure there is greater recognition of the benefits the sector can provide.”

Stan Green, Managing Director of Growforth and Chair of the HTA Scottish Policy Group, added: "The Cross-Party Group brings together organisations, politicians and policymakers who share a common goal: to promote the growth of Scottish horticulture. Horticulture plays a vital role in connecting the economy, the environment, and our daily lives.

"With Scotland looking at land-use, mitigating the impact of climate change, and growing healthier communities, it’s an appropriate time to discuss and explore the possibilities within our sector. By working together, collaborating and innovating, we can ensure Scotland leads the way in demonstrating how cultivating plants cultivates prosperity, strengthens communities, and protects our natural world." 

You can read the whole manifesto, ‘The Scottish Environmental Horticulture Manifesto: Priorities for a future Scottish Government from the HTA’ on the HTA website: https://hta.org.uk/scotland