The Horticultural Trades Association has announced the inaugural FutureGrow Expo, scheduled for 8 October at Stoneleigh Park. This pioneering event will feature diverse demonstrations and presentations, aiming to revolutionise the horticultural landscape through innovation, collaboration, and strategic investment by connecting technology innovators with horticultural businesses.

The FutureGrow Expo is not just a showcase of new technologies. Engaging presentations and demonstrations will provide attendees with a deep understanding of the latest innovations in the horticultural industry, including automation and robotics. With indoor and outdoor exhibits and afternoon demonstrations, the event promises to be a rich source of knowledge and inspiration, encouraging attendees to build relationships with innovators to shape future technology specific to the environmental horticultural sector.

Fran Barnes, HTA Chief Executive, emphasised the significance of the industry, stating: "With environmental horticulture crop production in the UK, including supply to forestry, valued at approximately £1.6 billion annually, the industry's importance cannot be overstated. Notably, the 'top 30' among our 160 grower members contribute nearly £600 million to this total, underscoring our unique position to convene the UK's most influential decision-makers regarding inward investment in horticultural businesses. Leveraging our role as a trade association, we have the ability to unite these businesses around shared research and development investment priorities. While our event will naturally attract our members, it will also welcome participation from all 300+ environmental horticulture growers in the UK and beyond, fostering a diverse and collaborative environment for innovation and growth."

The FutureGrow Expo also hopes to bring together industry leaders and government policymakers to help influence future government grants and fiscal incentives for technology investment. This strategic role positions the FutureGrow Expo as an invaluable opportunity for all stakeholders to learn about and contribute to the industry's future.

Fran added: "Strategically targeting growers, the event aims to raise awareness of how existing and pre-commercial mechanisation/automation techniques can significantly enhance sustainable productivity growth in the nursery sector. This event offers industry professionals an unparalleled opportunity to gain insights from industry leaders, explore innovative technologies, and cultivate connections that could drive transformative solutions for their businesses.”

For more information and to book your place, visit https://hta.org.uk/futuregrow