The HTA share industry progress and challenges in Gardeners’ World two-part film on peat

28 April 2023

Tune into Gardeners’ World on BBC Two at a slightly later time this evening (Friday, 28 April) at 9pm, as Arit Anderson investigates what a proposed ban on peat means for the industry and gardeners alike. This important topic will be shown in two parts. The date for part 2 is still TBC at the time of writing.

 

Featuring in both programmes, HTA Chairman James Barnes was interviewed shortly after Defra announced their intention to bring the ban forward from 2030 to 2026 for professional growers.

 

James shares his thoughts on the government's announcement to potentially accelerate legislation from 2030 to 2026 for professional growers. Speaking from HTA member Middlecombe Nursery, near Bristol, James expresses his disappointment at this sudden change and how it impacts the businesses and gardeners already facing various challenges, from rising costs and skills shortages to droughts.

 

As Gardeners’ World so successfully demonstrates each week, the horticultural sector is a vital part of the UK economy and our way of life, providing economic, environmental, and health benefits to communities nationwide. However, change takes time and money, particularly for small family businesses that comprise a significant proportion of the HTA's membership.

 

James highlights the progress that the industry has already voluntarily made in transitioning to peat-free alternatives, reducing peat use in retail to just 16.8%. This figure continues to decline rapidly. Additionally, professional use of peat has fallen below 50% for the first time, demonstrating that we are on track to meet the 2024 deadline for ending the sale of peat in bagged compost and the 2030 deadline for professional use.

 

Whatever decisions are made, they must ensure that the horticultural sector can continue to thrive across the UK for generations to come so that garden centres remain well-stocked and consumers have a diverse range of choices. The HTA is keen to work with key decision-makers to ensure it remains accessible to all.