Last week saw a big push of member support and engagement by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), with another successful technical workshop to support growers on the journey to peat-free, hosted at Melcourt and a meeting of the Growing Media Association (GMA).
The HTA has built on its wide-ranging work of 2023 and continues the Growing Media: Life Beyond Peat campaign, which has encompassed its programme of activities focused on raising the importance and understanding of the value of growing media, a need for a sustainable transition to peat-free and ensuring support for the growth of UK environmental horticulture.
The new boost to this work is its outreach to members – from growers to manufacturers – directly, through workshops and at the GMA meeting, to send in details of what support they need. In particular, this call is seeking the details of machinery and equipment, with the opportunity open to see what Defra-led funds, such as the Farming Equipment & Technology Fund, could be accessed to support the transition. The HTA is also seeking other new support needs – whether fiscal or regulatory barriers – in anticipation of a Government Spending Review in 2025.
James Barnes, HTA Chairman, commented:
“The environmental horticulture sector has made huge strides on its journey to peat-free and sustains its ambition to manufacture, grow in and retail consistent, high-quality and affordable alternative growing media.
“Much time and resources have been spent grappling with understanding shifting ban dates and uncertainty over legislation. Our ask for clarity from the government, clear communications, and achievable dates to support our sector to thrive remains. However, given the electoral cycle and the criticality of this transition to HTA member businesses, our priority today is working with the industry and government to secure greater support for this journey.