HTA brings British horticulture to Europe House for landmark UK-EU showcase

28 April 2026

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has been flying the flag for UK environmental horticulture, showcasing its members at the first-of-its-kind Flowers and Plants of Europe event, at Europe House in London.

Working in partnership with European and international associations, the HTA helped coordinate this landmark event, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders and businesses to highlight the significant value of environmental horticulture across borders – from plants, bulbs, seeds and trees to the wider supply chain that underpins the sector.

A strong contingent of HTA members, including Crocus, Franchi Seeds, Joseph Rochford Gardens, Taylors Bulbs, Provender Nurseries and Westland Horticulture, supplied products for the exhibition, demonstrating the breadth, quality, economic and environmental importance of the sector. 

Hosted by the European Union Delegation to the UK, the event included speeches from EU Ambassador His Excellency Pedro Serrano and Emma Bourne OBE, Director General for EU Reset and Trade. This inaugural event also marked the start of Europe Month in May. 

A panel discussion and reception provided a platform to discuss shared challenges, including cross-border trade, supply chain resilience, and the wider environmental, economic, and wellbeing benefits of plants, flowers, and green spaces, as well as future opportunities to grow horticulture and floriculture. 

Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), commented:

“The HTA’s priority is to support our members to flourish, compete and grow – this includes having strong supply chains, open markets and effective trading relationships.

“This event was an important opportunity to ensure policymakers recognise the value of horticulture, a sector which is too often overlooked. Sitting alongside our EU colleagues, we were able to highlight both the strengths of UK horticultural businesses and the significant opportunities that closer cooperation could unlock. It was fantastic to see it supported by so many HTA members.

“Our HTA members are telling us the cost of doing business crisis is hitting hard. What we need now is swift action to give them the certainty and confidence they need. The HTA has been absolutely clear that the UK needs to secure an ambitious SPS agreement with the EU, which secures the competitiveness of our sector – including a transition period for plant protection products and easements on border pain as soon as possible.”