HTA response to announcement of the National Centre for Environmental Horticulture Plant Health

Responding to today’s announcement by Defra, APHA and the RHS on the creation of the National Centre for Environmental Horticulture Plant Health, David Denny - Director of Research & Knowledge Transfer at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), said: 

“We welcome the announcement of the National Centre for Environmental Horticulture Plant Health and the partnership between Defra, APHA and the RHS, which rightly recognises the importance of plant health to the sector.  

“It is critical that commercial environmental horticulture businesses are fully embedded in the work of the new Centre from the outset. Growers, retailers and suppliers play a central role in maintaining plant health and biosecurity across the supply chain, and their practical experience must help shape priorities and deliver solutions that work on the ground.  

“We hope that Defra will ensure that this investment is backed by a clear commitment to support and champion growth in the competitiveness of UK horticulture. Our members are under real pressure from rising costs and ongoing border and regulatory challenges. Plant health progress can only be achieved if businesses are also given the confidence and capacity to invest, trade and grow.”