One of the industry’s most influential lobbying groups has changed its name in a bid to put the interests of growers of ornamentals, and their customers, closer to the top of government policy agendas.
“There is no government department whose policy objectives our industry can’t help with,” said Boyd Douglas-Davies, chairman of the Environmental Horticulture Group – the new name for the Ornamental Horticulture Round Table which has been representing growers’, garden centres’ and landscapers’ issues to politicians and government officials since 2014.
“Almost half of the objectives of the government’s 25-year environment plan will be possible only through the use of horticulture,” he said.
“The sector has the potential to grow to contribute £41.8bn to GDP by 2030 and support 763,000 jobs. But a lack of tailored support in government is limiting our ability to reach that.”
Mr Douglas-Davies said the word ‘ornamental’ could be seen as too easy to dismiss with the result that the industry’s impact goes unrecognised. “We want to make sure people understand the important place we hold, and that it is taken seriously, especially when talking to government.”
The group was relaunched at a reception at the House of Lords in June, attracting around 150 politicians, government officials and industry representatives.
It has already submitted evidence to the ongoing Lords inquiry into the horticulture sector, highlighting growers concerns on policies in areas such as the peat ban, skills and labour shortages and funding for innovation.
The Environmental Horticulture Group is supported by the HTA, the RHS, the British Association of Landscape Industries and the Arboriculture Association. The launch event was arranged through the All Party Parliamentary Group for Gardening and Horticulture.