Baroness Fookes leads parliamentary debate and urges government to support British ornamental horticulture and landscaping

by | Oct 18, 2022 | News | 0 comments

Baroness Fookes, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Ornamental Horticulture, has lead a parliamentary debate in the House of Lords on Supporting the provision of careers in the horticultural sector and its role in protecting the environment’

In the debate, Baroness Fookes is likely to highlight the huge economic potential of the ornamental horticulture, arboriculture and landscaping industry, the recruitment and skills challenges that are currently holding that economic growth potential back, and how ornamental horticulture and landscaping play a vital role in delivering world-leading biodiversity and environmental sustainability.

Recent research from the Ornamental Horticulture Roundtable Group (OHRG) found that across the UK ornamental horticulture and landscaping sector, 10% of supervisor roles, 14% of skilled trade roles, and 11% of professional/technical roles remain open. If these shortfalls remain, the cost to the UK’s economy is projected to be £1.4 billion per year in lost direct GDP contributions by 2030.

With the total GDP of the UK’s ornamental horticulture and landscaping industries projected to grow to almost £42 billion by 2030, it is vital that the government works with the sector to ensure it reaches its full potential. 

The debate comes amid industry calls for the government to ensure that the UK’s ornamental horticulture, arboriculture and landscaping industries are included within the government’s definition of ‘green jobs’. There are also industry concerns that Defra is excluding ornamental horticulture from its growth plan whilst boosting home grown fruit and vegetables and supporting high-tech horticulture.

Chair of the OHRG, Boyd J Douglas-Davies, said: “I’m delighted that Baroness Fookes has secured this debate in Parliament, and that Peers will have the opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities that the ornamental horticulture and landscaping industries face, particularly in relation to careers and the environment.

“It is vital that our sector works with the government towards achieving our shared objectives of upskilling the workforce, protecting our environment and securing vital economic growth.”

more latest news ➡

Winners of the PetQuip 2023 Awards announced

PetQuip Awards 2023 winners announced

Last night’s PetQuip Awards hosted a record number of guests as the pet industry convened to recognise excellence and celebrate achievement. Held alongside and in association with PATS Telford, the PetQuip Awards cover Supplier, Retailer, Product, Export and...

Laylocks expansion underway

Expansion work at Laylocks Garden Centre is underway

Work is underway at the expansion at Laylocks Garden Centre in Cotheridge near Worcester. The aim is to open the new development in March 2024.  Hannah Warr, a director at the centre, said: "We are excited. Everyone has been telling us they are excited by the new...

12,000 lost apprenticeship positions in retail

12,000 lost apprenticeship places in retail

Retailers could have offered 12,000 more apprenticeships over the past year if it was not for the Government’s failure to reform the Apprenticeship Levy, according to a survey by the British Retail Consortium (BRC). The industry took on approximately 17,000...

GIMA awards 2023

Just four weeks until the GIMA Awards 2023

The garden retail sector is abuzz as the GIMA Awards are set to return in just four weeks!  Taking place at the Celtic Manor resort in Newport, South Wales, the event will once again be a hotbed of celebration and networking, with 17 coveted awards up for grabs. ...

Read GCR's latest edition!

Subscribe ToThe Wednesday Word

Subscribe To
The Wednesday Word

 

Get all the latest news, events & more straight to your inbox every Wednesday.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This