The Horticultural Trades Association is today celebrating its 125th anniversary at its annual Conference. "The association, which started in 1899, has grown into a vital force, supporting a sector that contributes £28 billion to the UK economy and sustains over 674,000 jobs." This year, in the opening speech from its Chief Executive, Fran Barnes, the HTA calls for stronger government support to further increase the sector's GDP footprint to £41 billion by 2030.
The speech, delivered in Birmingham to HTA members and key stakeholders, reflected on the history of its membership and the importance of the industry's progression over the next century. Fran highlighted the industry's role in meeting the UK's legally binding Net Zero targets, reaffirming, "The country can't achieve Net Zero without environmental horticulture, and it can't do it without you."
The HTA has long advocated for horticulture in times of crisis, from securing essential worker status during World War I to the campaigning that helped reopen garden centers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the HTA continues to campaign, lobbying the new government for reduced financial burdens on SMEs, a just peat-free transition, and streamlined cross-border trade systems.
Fran Barnes, HTA Chief Executive, said: "When the HTA was first created, it was to deliver against three main aims: to present a united voice for our industry, to hold conferences, and to provide networking opportunities. It has been an incredibly tough year. The erratic weather, the cost of doing business, living wage hikes, a challenged labor market, import rule changes, and planning delays all add costs – whether time or money – that should be spent growing your business. Our focus now is that the new government understands the pressures you face, understands the critical importance of this sector in delivering their missions, and understands the necessity of helping, not hindering our growth."
Fran also referenced several new initiatives aimed at fostering growth and collaboration across the industry, including:
- A series of regional events to inspire innovation and strengthen networking among growers, retailers, landscapers, and manufacturers.
- Enhanced Business Improvement Schemes to help growers and retailers navigate challenges.
- More online Town Halls and technical workshops to offer tailored support.
As the HTA looks forward to the future, Fran Barnes called for collective effort, saying: "The trees and plants we are growing today, and the green landscapes we are creating and cultivating may be here long after us, in another 125 years. We want to make sure they tell a positive story of our actions."
For more information:
Horticultural Trades Association
www.the-hta.org.uk