The HTA marks a historic milestone and calls for stronger government support

25 September 2024

Today, the Horticultural Trades Association proudly celebrates its 125th anniversary at its annual Conference. The association, which started in 1899, has grown into a vital force, supporting a sector that contributes £28 billion to the UK economy and sustains over 674,000 jobs. This year, in the opening speech from its Chief Executive, Fran Barnes, the HTA calls for stronger government support to further increase the sector’s GDP footprint to £41 billion by 2030.

The speech, delivered in Birmingham to HTA members and key stakeholders, reflected on the rich history of its membership and the importance of the industry’s progression over the next century. Fran highlighted the industry’s essential role in meeting the UK's legally binding Net Zero targets, reaffirming, “The country can’t achieve Net Zero without environmental horticulture, and it can’t do it without you.”

The HTA has been at the forefront of advocating for horticulture in times of crisis, from securing essential worker status during World War I to leading the campaign that reopened garden centres during the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the HTA continues to fight for industry resilience, lobbying the new government for reduced financial burdens on SMEs, a just peat-free transition, and streamlined cross-border trade systems.

Fran Barnes, HTA Chief Executive, said:

“When the HTA was first created, it was to deliver against three main aims: to present a united voice for our industry, to hold conferences, and to provide networking opportunities. Little did those who founded the HTA realise the additional vital importance this organisation would play over the last century and a quarter. 

“The HTA can’t control the volatile weather we’re currently seeing across Europe or control global political change.  But we can, and we do, lobby for - and champion - this sector for the conditions that enable you to weather those storms and build resilience into your businesses.  

“It has been an incredibly tough year.  The erratic weather, the cost of doing business, living wage hikes, a challenged labour market, import rule changes, and planning delays all add costs – whether time or money – that should be spent growing your business.

“Our focus now is that the new government understands the pressures you face, understands the critical importance of this sector in delivering their missions and understands the necessity of helping, not hindering our growth.  

“Every member I’ve spoken to has the same simple request of certainty, which has been in short supply over the last few years.  We have written to the new Chancellor ahead of the budget with clear asks to deliver certainty and confidence. We need a trade and border system that works, as the situation since April 30th has been wholly unacceptable and has not helped biosecurity either – the whole point of the inspection regime. We’ve asked for an urgent government roundtable to get this sorted once and for all. 

“The HTA team and I promise our continuing, unwavering commitment to helping you navigate all the challenges we face. Whether in business, planning, infrastructure, or access to essential resources like plant protection and growing media. With the right support and a collective effort, we can meet these challenges head-on and deliver growth.  We’re a supportive sector with strong bonds of friendship and a shared ambition to leave our businesses and the planet in a better place.”

Fran also referenced several new initiatives aimed at fostering growth and collaboration across the industry, including:

• A series of regional events to inspire innovation and strengthen networking among growers, retailers, landscapers, and manufacturers.
• Enhanced Business Improvement Schemes to help growers and retailers navigate challenges.
• More online Town Halls and technical workshops to offer tailored support.

As the HTA looks forward to the future, Fran Barnes called for collective effort, saying,

“The trees and plants we are growing today, and the green landscapes we are creating and cultivating may be here long after us, in another 125 years. We want to make sure they tell a positive story of our actions.”

‘Horticulture, The Conference 2024’ is the biggest conference for the sector. It has a full agenda of panels, keynote speeches, and networking opportunities to celebrate the horticultural sector's instrumental role in shaping a sustainable and greener future, ensuring that it thrives for generations to come.