HTA comments on news UK Govt change growing media requirements for plants sent to NI

Commenting on the news that the UK Government have changed the growing media requirements for how plants can be sent to Northern Ireland, James Barnes, HTA Chairman said:

 “This is very welcome news. We have been raising this issue with Government for the past 5 months. While it is a temporary measure it will allow GB businesses to send their stock to Northern Ireland for this season. However, a permanent solution needs to be found on this along with changes to the restrictions on prohibited species and seed potatoes, which still remain in place.

 This easement only applies to Northern Ireland. The UK and EU need to start coming to some firm and pragmatic decisions to change the current restrictive plant health regime on all trade between the UK and EU”.