Horticultural Trade Association Drop-In Event

At HTA drop-in event on 23 April 2025, there was a great plant give-away to raise awareness of the needs of the gardening and green space sector. 

The HTA counts 1,400 UK garden businesses among their membership who contribute to the UK’s economy, environment, health and wellbeing. According to their figures, UK environmental horticulture supported over 722,000 jobs, contributed £38 billion to the UK economy in 2023, and is projected to grow its economic contributions to £51.2 billion by 2030.

To reach this target  HTA has published 10 recommendations, including ensuring gardening is added to the school curriculum to develop the next generation of skilled horticulture workers, utilising flora and gardens in health and wellbeing for patients and care providers, and reviewing water use grants to encourage small and medium enterprises to invest in reservoirs and rainwater capture technology.

As Co-chair of the APPG on Horticulture and Gardening I give my support  to “unlock green growth” in the UK. I am pictured above with Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Public Affairs of the HTA.