The Education Committee have laid out their agenda for the coming months focusing on what they propose to deliver. They have formed five focus groups: skills and training across the sectors, levels 1-3 including apprenticeships, higher education, careers in general and impact – industry policy, challenges and problem solving. There is a significant amount of work to be undertaken, and we are fortunate to have the skills and expertise to carry it out. We are also focusing on careers and are exploring working collaboratively with other organisations and employers.
The new Early Career Horticulturist membership category is ready to launch. This is aimed at newly qualified and career changers and will enable them to fast-track to full membership within the CIH. The Early Careers Horticulturist working group are exploring what events and updates that would most benefit fellow horticultural career starters and are looking at promoting access to bursaries and grants and growing their networks to provide a co-mentoring support framework for fellow Early Career Horticulturists.
The Young Horticulturist of the Year competition is now in the second phase with regional finals taking place in March. Please support the event if you are able.
Bookings will be taken shortly for a study tour on Friday 12th May to New Forest Fruits Ltd followed by Hilliers tree nursery in the afternoon before the AGM which is to be held in the evening at 6pm in the DoubleTree by Hilton Southampton. An email will be sent out to all members when bookings for the study tour opens. Places are limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment.
I would like to extend a warm welcome to Lucy Keen who has recently joined the BGA team, and has been assigned to assist Rachel.
Industry news
We are finally seeing some movement with the new Brexit agreement being announced. It has a long way to go, but hopefully there will be a positive resolution to border issues. The cost to the industry has been detrimental on a large scale.
Food shortages have dominated the news with blame being apportioned to many sectors. I think it is time to take a long hard look at every aspect of production and delivery. Consumers have been used to cheap food with all year-round availability. Many are now advocating seasonal usage. Supermarkets have played an integral part in pricing and supply. For food to be home grown it requires realistic pricing. Growers cannot be expected to produce crops at a loss. Whilst growers tackle the problems of escalating cost of heating, fertilisers and staff shortages, there is no doubt that food prices will rise. We are fortunate to have in our industry, professionals who are innovative, who embrace technology and modern practices and the drive to address the changing demands.
The HTA have updated on garden centre sales, down 9% in January as compared to January 2022. The weather, consumer confidence and financial concerns are sighted as the main causes. Hopefully as we head into spring, we will see an upsurge in growth.
Susan Nicholas FCIHort
PRESIDENT
president@horticulture.org.uk