As we enter the final month of the year, I am optimistic that we are moving in the right direction.
Grow Careers in Scotland was a great success. A full auditorium and some virtual attendees were captivated by presentations from David Domoney, Chris Collins, Andy Sturgeon, Kirsty Wilson and David Knott who outlined the opportunities available in our industry. Allison Edmonds from Longwood Gardens Pennsylvania, Graeme MacDonald from Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) and Ewan Crighton from National Trust Scotland were also able to share their experiences and career paths. I would also like to thank George Gilchrist, Victoria George and Scotland branch members for their help both leading up to and during the event. Last week I attended a focus group of The Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture (TIAH) to discuss further collaboration on careers.
I am pleased to announce that we have appointed Claire Mitchell, a career changer, to represent Early Careers Horticulture on the Council of Trustees. We had a number of strong applicants, and we will work with them to harness their ideas in the future.
Planning for 2023 is well underway. The Young Horticulturist of the Year final will take place at Emmanuel College, Cambridge on 6th May. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place during the proposed study tour on 12th and 13th of May. This will include a visit to specialists in soft fruit production and a specimen tree production nursery. Please save the dates as it is an opportunity to catch up with colleagues.
I am pleased to announce that with several leading bodies we have signed up to the ‘Access all Areas Inclusion and Diversity Charter’. The charter outlines the commitment to create an inclusive culture and measure how we engage and improve representation, provide access to resources for educating and upskilling colleagues and members on diversity and inclusion, and promote the industry as a fully inclusive and accessible environment with opportunities for lifelong rewarding careers. This is a positive step and working collaboratively the message will be stronger.
Industry news
Uncertainty surrounding the use of peat continues to cause concern. The HTA met Defra minister Trudy Harrison on 22nd November to discuss the proposed peat ban for commercial growers. Meanwhile, on our doorstep in Europe there are no regulations or laws in place at present. A coalition of fifteen parties including the Dutch government have signed a covenant with “far-reaching objectives” aimed at reducing the environmental impact of potting soil, peat and substrates.
Labour shortage continues to dominate the news. Overseas seasonal workers are capped at 40,000, with 2024 the end date for the scheme, but the NFU have suggested double that are needed to pick crops.
Future innovation was in abundance at the recent SALTEX exhibition. Eco friendly machinery including electric tractors, and a focus on sustainability highlighted the future direction of sports turf management.
As the year comes to a close, I wish you all health and prosperity for 2023.
Susan Nicholas FCIHort
PRESIDENT
president@horticulture.org.uk