Trade bodies call for urgent government action for thriving UK horticulture and fresh produce sector amid cost crisis

17 April 2025 

• Industry bodies unite: The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC), and British Potato Trade Association (BPTA) urgently call on top Cabinet Office, Treasury, and Defra Ministers to engage on solutions to safeguard the UK's horticulture and fresh produce industries. 

• Rising costs threaten viability: Skyrocketing national insurance and wage hikes, coupled with insufficient policy consideration, are crippling businesses' ability to invest in growth and secure affordable produce for consumers. 

• Ready-to-implement solutions: The HTA and FPC seek practical actions on proposals to streamline border processes and regulatory barriers, aligned with government goals for economic growth 

• Immediate collaboration needed: The industry urgently requests immediate engagement to build a resilient, affordable food, flowers, and plants supply chain for hard-pressed consumers and ensure the long-term prosperity of the sector. Stopping near-term Plant Heath Fee hikes is an area requiring action and collaboration. 

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) and the British Potato Trade Association (BPTA) have jointly written to Defra Ministers on Plant Health Fees and also to the Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, demanding immediate cross-governmental collaboration to secure the future of the UK’s horticulture and fresh produce industries. Failure to act now risks undermining the UK's food security and jeopardising the livelihoods of thousands of businesses. 

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, highlighted the devastating impact of recent policy changes:  

 "Our members are facing unprecedented cost pressures from the recent national insurance and wage hikes. We are escalating our calls to pause Plant Health Fee hikes and our joint call for senior government engagement, as the cumulative impact of these policies, coupled with a lack of recognition from the government, is creating significant uncertainty that will ultimately lead to a reduction in investment in green spaces and the ability to deliver for communities. We urgently need the government to address these challenges to ensure the long-term sustainability of the horticultural sector. The time for discussion is over; the time for action is now." 

Nigel Jenney, Chief Executive of the FPC, stated:  

"At the FPC, we have practical, viable solutions that deliver clear benefits for the industry, the government, and British consumers. We believe in utilising the untapped expertise and infrastructure of the industry to promote responsible, cost-effective trade. Our proposals are straightforward, achievable, and align perfectly with the government’s plan to 're-wire' Whitehall and create a more streamlined state while strengthening the nation’s economy.   

“It is crucial that the Treasury and Defra engage with us now to capitalise on these opportunities. Our solutions are not just beneficial—they are necessary! They offer a clear roadmap for growth, competitiveness, and sustainability. By acting decisively and collaboratively with industry partners, the government can strengthen the resilience and efficiency of our supply chains, ensuring continued access to affordable, fresh produce for everyone."