I have just returned from the Harrogate Spring Flower Show where the Northern Branch manned a very busy advice stand. Thankyou to all members who made themselves available to answer, at times, demanding questions. Sarah Owen-Hughes once again hosted a very successful...

FEBRUARY 2024 UPDATE: On the 12th February The UK Government responded to the House of Lords Horticultural Committee’s report ‘ Sowing the seeds: A blooming English horticultural sector’ (6th November 2023) and published at the following link: Horticultural Sector...

The Spring 2023 publication of The Horticulturist is out now for all members. View the preview of what's inside this edition here.

The House of Lords have launched an enquiry into the Horticultural Industry, and we have been asked directly to contribute to this. It is a great opportunity and is likely to address how science and technology could support the industry, education opportunities...

The RHS is co-funding a £1 million ‘Transition to Peat-Free’ to assist UK growers/nurseries/gardeners in the transition to peat-free horticulture. As part of the project RHS recently sent out a survey to build understanding of the current position of nurseries in...

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...

Sustainable farming organisation LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), has produced a practical manual with expert guidance, outlining six simple steps to help farmers and landowners identify, assess and manage ash dieback – A Farmer’s Guide to Ash Dieback

The Government have announced that “Biodiversity Net Gain” will be introduced from November. The Biodiversity Net Gain principle will require new housing, commercial and infrastructure developments to be “nature positive” from the end of 2023, with plans backed by £16...

Office for the Internal Market (OIM) has published its first internal report on the impact of Defra’s proposed ban on horticultural peat sales in England. The report concludes that, while the ban on horticultural peat sales in England may lead to some changes in...

Growing Kent & Medway Business Sustainability Challenge are offering grants worth between £10-£50k (50% of total eligible project costs). Applications will open from 3 April. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with other businesses as part of their...

The Government have published a new Environmental Improvement Plan. This should be considered alongside other Government strategies, including the England Trees Action Plan, the England Peat Action Plan, and the GB Plant Biosecurity Strategy. The Plan sets out 10...

The Young Horticulturist of the Year competition has been launched, with round one taking place in February. The change from college-based rounds to direct online access for individuals has made it more accessible to many more people in the industry. If you are an...

It is with great pleasure that the LSA trustees can announce that a record 8 new Fellows have been selected for the 2023 Fellowship Charitable Trust Scheme. The Fellowship aims to develop the future leaders of the commercial horticulture industry; assisting developing...

Defra has published the government's Plant Biosecurity Strategy for Great Britain (2023 to 2028). The result of cooperation between the UK Government, Scottish Government, Welsh Government and the Forestry Commission, the strategy is underpinned by a commitment "to...

This is a reminder that businesses and other organisations working with plant protection products (PPPs) in Great Britain are required to register basic information about their activity with Defra under The Official Controls (Plant Protection Products) Regulations...

Terry Underhill FCIHort 1938-2022 Born in Leyton in East London Terry grew up in a socialist background, his father Reg, was created a Life Peer in 1979. He first learnt of the pleasures of gardening, aged four years, when he raised a crop of radish from seed and...

We are thrilled to be launching the 2023 Young Horticulturist of the Year Competition (YHoY) run by the Chartered Institute of Horticulture. The competition is open to anyone across the UK and Ireland, who is under 30 on 31st July 2023. Whether you are a student,...

As we enter 2023, I feel we can build on the progress we have made during the last year. The Education Core Interest group has held its first meeting. James Wagstaffe, who will take the group forward, has produced an action plan—initially forming task groups to work...

The Autumn 2022 publication of The Horticulturist is out now for all members. View the preview of what's inside this edition here.

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...

Careers in horticulture are very much in our focus. We have been working collaboratively during what is a very challenging time to highlight and promote the opportunities available to both young people and career changers. Grow Careers on 16th November is a hybrid...

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) regulates machinery under the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008. These regulations set the essential health and safety requirements for machinery before such products can be placed on the UK market. OPSS...

View the full report on opportunities for the Irish Horticulture Industry 2022 prepared by KPMG for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

The government has now launched the initial call for evidence for the Net Zero Review. The review will scrutinise the government’s approach to delivering its net zero target to ensure that it is pro-business and pro-growth. It comes a year after the publication of the...

I have just returned from our conference in Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Being able to meet face to face gave delegates the opportunity to network, meet friends and have meaningful debate after each presentation. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh provided a...