Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) and Garden Centre Association (GCA) respond to the Peat-Free Partnership open letter
10 September 2024
Today, the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) and Garden Centre Association (GCA) have released a joint statement in response to the Peat-Free Partnership open letter.
James Barnes, Chairman of HTA, and Will Blake, Chairman of GCA commented:
"We understand the concerns raised in the recent open letter about using peat in horticulture. However, the UK Environmental Horticulture sector is already progressing in moving away from peat without the need for new regulations. Thanks to the proactive efforts of UK growers, suppliers, and retailers, peat use has significantly decreased, with consumer use almost eliminated and professional use at very low levels.
“The data in the letter reflects the situation two years ago. We estimate that the volume of peat in bagged compost has reduced to around 10% in 2023, with further reductions likely to have been delivered in 2024.
“Transitioning away from peat is complex and not the same for everyone. It depends on the performance of different peat alternatives, the nutrition and watering each alternative needs, the type of plants being grown and their specific needs to thrive. Although a large number of UK growers have already gone peat-free before the 2030 target, many are still on that journey.
“No new areas of peatland are being used for extraction, and we believe that more progress can be made by working together, being innovative, and choosing sustainable practices voluntarily rather than through new laws.
“Imposing legislative mandates without properly considering their impact could inadvertently disrupt the progress already made, particularly for smaller businesses still adapting to peat-free alternatives. Rushing through new legislation without properly considering its effect on the professional horticulture industry would damage the UK’s garden trade. Research has shown that a ban could immediately lead to a shortage of 100 million plants and trees, affecting green spaces, gardens, streets, natural landscapes, and the country’s carbon footprint. It could also impact what we can buy in garden centres and lead to economic and job losses. Instead of rushing through legislation, we’d like to see the Government focus on ensuring sustainable, high-quality, and widely available alternatives to peat, with access to the right resources and funding for a long-term viable transition.
“The HTA and GCA are committed to supporting its members in this transition. We will continue to provide workshops, share knowledge, and advocate for sustainable practices, ensuring the UK horticulture industry survives and thrives in a sustainable and economically viable manner. We welcome the peat-free trials currently being conducted at the sites of many of our grower members. This data is crucial to providing an informed policy position. We urge all stakeholders to work together in a cooperative and balanced manner, ensuring a sustainable future for British environmental horticulture while protecting our natural environment.”
