UK, European and International Associations make joint call for SPS deal delivery at landmark event

29 April 2026

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), Union Fleurs, the European Nurserystock Association (ENA), VGB and Royal Anthos joined forces at the EU’s embassy in London for Flowers and Plants of Europe - a landmark industry event to showcase horticulture and floriculture and discuss their shared ambition for a UK-EU reset.

With negotiations ongoing and an EU-UK leaders’ summit expected to be a key moment for the deal in July, the associations are working closely to ensure their members can help shape an outcome that supports the future competitiveness of the entire floriculture and horticultural supply chains.

Together, the associations reiterated their joint call on both EU and UK policymakers:

1. Swiftly deliver and implement a robust EU-UK SPS Agreement fully covering horticulture and floriculture products that will secure frictionless trade whilst maintaining biosecurity standards, unlock longer-term opportunities and benefit both businesses and consumers.
2. Involve sector associations to ensure that this Agreement will be grounded in technical details and operational feasibility and offer workable and effective solutions that genuinely resolve the challenges and frictions our supply chains have been navigating over the last few years.
3. Introduce urgent pragmatic measures in both the EU and the UK until the SPS Agreement comes into force to offer immediate vital relief to businesses and stabilise supply chains, such as check rate reductions and other measures to reduce unnecessary costs and burdens.

Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), said:

“Smooth, swift and biosecure supply chains are critical to the competitiveness of UK environmental horticulture. We share the ambition for an EU-UK reset, and that early, pragmatic steps can be taken by both the UK and the EU to ease costs and pressure and pave the way for growth opportunities, including for UK exports.

“By working in partnership, collaboratively and constructively, we believe we can unlock much-needed green growth for all those involved in horticultural supply chains, and deliver for UK gardeners, green spaces and support healthier communities.”

Sylvie Mamias, Secretary General of Union Fleurs – International Flower Trade Association, said:

“In today’s turbulent environment for international supply chains, the future EU–UK SPS Agreement represents a vital opportunity to restore confidence and optimism for operators in the flowers and plants sector on both sides. By reducing cross-border frictions and providing greater clarity of rules and predictability, it will deliver immediate and tangible relief for businesses while unlocking new opportunities for sustainable growth. Beyond their economic value, flowers and plants make a meaningful contribution to society by enhancing wellbeing, supporting greener and more liveable environments, and strengthening people’s connection with nature.

“We are very grateful to the Delegation of the European Union to the UK for highlighting with us the beauty, diversity, and wide-ranging benefits of flowers and plants, and for providing us with visibility and a highly valuable platform to promote continued cooperation and growth across the industry.”

Tim Van Hulle, President of ENA, said:

“The ongoing SPS negotiations are in the final straight. We’ll welcome smoother operations for EU nurseries exporting to the UK, as well as improved access for UK nurseries to the EU.

“The agreement will reduce administrative burdens and restore efficient supply chains, benefiting the EU and UK nurseries. We are looking forward to the signing date of the agreement.”

Mark Jan Terwindt, CEO of Royal Anthos, said:

“In the fast-changing global landscape, it goes without saying that strong cooperation with neighbours is a necessity, not a luxury. Reaching the SPS-agreement shows there is common ground for such a cooperation, both in the EU and the UK. 

“Reaching an agreement is, however, not a finish line, but a starting point to implement the advantages of a low-cost green corridor, with all needed phytosanitary guardrails. This will give the small and intermediate enterprises on both sides of the channel the opportunity to grow into a base for prosperity for the region. With a healthy environment in both the Public and Private landscapes and gardens as a tangible result.”

Tim Rozendal, Strategic Advisor, VGB, said:

“The event is a great opportunity to underline the value of flowers and plants for people, society and the environment.

“As cooperating sector representatives, we are committed to improving trade flows, ensuring supply chains remain efficient, reliable and future-proof, to the benefit of businesses at both sides of the Channel. Our joint call for an SPS agreement is grounded in this shared commitment, and we will continue working together to support its delivery.

“Dutch traders and UK businesses are close and long-standing trade partners. A strong agreement will help further strengthen these ties, ultimately benefiting UK consumers.”