HTA response to Sarah Dyke MP’s motion on the prohibition of the sale of peat

6 November 2024 

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), responds to the outcome of Sarah Dyke MP's Ten-Minute Rule Motion on the prohibition of the sale of peat. 

“Every business in the environmental horticulture sector has been working incredibly hard to transition away from peat use, with significant resource investment.  The sector is currently heading close to zero peat use in bagged compost on sale to consumers by the end of this year.  This is down to the collaborative efforts of UK suppliers, retailers and gardeners to adopt peat-free practices. This work comes at a time of huge pressure and other issues, not least with the cost and impacts of border operations, challenging weather, and now navigating the implications of the Autumn Budget announcements. 

“Some of our professional grower members have already made the transition to peat-free, while others are still on this journey with thousands of different plant species being propagated. We urge MPs, who will debate this subject at its second reading, to give in-depth consideration to the UK’s professional tree and plant growers and allow them time to make a smooth transition to peat-free in their nurseries.  It takes considerable trial and testing to find a mix that works – and different plants growing in different conditions may require a different peat-free mix at nursery stage.  Growers need time and grant support for trials and equipment, and they need the government to work with the sector on key complex issues such as imports and ensuring a level playing field. We ask for further consultation as we look towards a 2030 deadline for peat-free growing (with exemptions). With the right support, we can eventually achieve this milestone; without support, there will be a significant contraction in the plants and trees that British environmental horticulture will be able to produce.”