In a first for the sector, the Horticultural Trade Association (HTA) hosted members of the House of Lords’ special inquiry committee into horticulture at the Garden Press Event, held on 21 February at the Business Design Centre in London.
More than 400 members of the garden press and media attended the event organised by the HTA and Garden Industry Manufacturers Association (GIMA). The committee had the opportunity to speak to nearly 100 exhibitors including growers, retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers to see the breadth and diversity of UK horticulture.
Lord Redesdale chaired the visit and was joined by Baroness Willis and Lord Carter. All three are members of the Horticultural Sector Committee with Lord Redesdale being the committee’s chair. Lord Carter is also a member of the Public Services Committee and EU Environment Sub-Committee.
Lord Redesdale comments: “Visiting the event was an eye opener to see the success of the horticulture industry and understand the challenges UK businesses are facing, such as trade.
“The Lords committee will be launching an inquiry into the future of horticulture with a focus on technology and climate and we will be taking evidence from the industry. Speaking directly to many HTA members today was really helpful.”
HTA CEO Fran Barnes says: “We were delighted to welcome the House of Lords Committee and Lord Taylor of Holbeach who know our industry so well. We have so much to offer in terms of tackling climate change and future technology, and we look forward to working with the committee.”
