The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has welcomed the tabling of a parliamentary motion by Rachael Hamilton MSP, which will bring about a debate on the recent launch of the HTA’s Growth Strategy in Scotland.
The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has welcomed the tabling of a parliamentary motion by Rachael Hamilton MSP, which will bring about a debate on the recent launch of the HTA’s Growth Strategy in Scotland.
The full motion states:
“That the Parliament welcomes the launch of the Horticultural Trades Association’s Scottish Environmental Horticulture Growth Strategy; understands that the strategy aims to support the growth of a horticulture and landscaping industry that contributes around £2.8 billion towards the Scottish economy and over 64,000 jobs, including in the Scottish Borders; recognises the role that gardening and horticulture can play in contributing to Scotland’s net zero targets, and notes that the strategy was presented during a recent meeting in the Scottish Parliament of the Cross-Party Group on Gardening and Horticulture.”
The Growth Strategy sets out seven ambitions for Scotland’s decision-makers:
- Health – to create a healthier Scotland through horticulture.
- Economy – develop green economic growth, high-quality jobs and invest in education/skills.
- Environment – to mitigate climate change.
- Local – increase the use of Scottish and UK-grown plants.
- Industry – drive Scottish growth through investment, development grants and reducing the cost of doing business.
- Urban nature – produce a greener planning system.
- Biosecurity – enhance and protect Scotland’s natural capital.
A decision on when to debate the motion in Holyrood will now be made, which carries the support of several Members of the Scottish parliament, including:
Jeremy Balfour, Miles Briggs, Sharon Dowey, Annabelle Ewing, Russell Findlay, Murdo Fraser, Meghan Gallacher, Kenneth Gibson, Pam Gosal, Jamie Greene, Dr. Sandesh Gulhane, Bill Kidd, Fulton MacGregor, Ivan McKee, Stuart McMillan, Edward Mountain, Douglas Ross, Colin Smyth, Alexander Stewart, Paul Sweeney, Annie Wells, Tess White.
