The Horticultural Trades Association ( HTA ) and the Fresh Produce Consortium ( FPC ) have escalated calls for action , submitting their 10 asks to the Environment Secretary , Rt Hon Steve Reed MP . This follows Defra ’s failure to reply to the previous joint missive to the government , which was sent over a calendar month ago . The letter called for pressing activity follow a ministerial roundtable coming together on plant , cut flowers , and margin - colligate issues held on 20 November 2024 .
In the letter of the alphabet , the HTA and FPC emphasize the critical persona of horticulture and sweet produce , contributing importantly to the UK economy , food security , and environmental sustainability . The joint letter highlights substantial obstacles to the craft of both edibles , such as fresh yield and vegetables , and non - comestible plant , including contract flowers , planting materials , ruined works , trees , shrubs , bulbs , and seed . issue such as mount logistics costs , damaged goods , delays , increased waste matter , and complex paperwork hard touch sphere growth and investment in the futurity .
Jennifer Pheasey , Director of Public Affairs at HTA , gloss : " The deficiency of urgency in taking action or even replying is hugely worry , especially when we are near daily presenting evidence and issues to those responsible for making the edge function . It is not just frustrating , but high-priced and damaging for businesses facing lost store , hike toll , delayed provision chains , and impact on customer relationships . This is all now on top of the triplex hit of cost resulting from the Autumn Budget announcements on national insurance , living wage , and other taxis . Our asks are constructive , clear , and doable . We need the government to shape immediately with the HTA and FPC , listen to our member , and take fleet military action to safeguard UK gardening and its benefit to the economy , the environs , mortal , and community . "
Nigel Jenney , chief executive officer of the Fresh Produce Consortium , said : " My substance to the authorities is readable - we simply involve an affordable and in force biosecure border that receive the pauperization of industry and consumer . Not even reply shows that the UK molding strategy imposed by the previous government activity is an overpowering and ongoing unsuccessful person and that this government has no sense of urgency or appreciation of the impact despite us providing huge amounts of grounds . Whilst they continue to drag one’s feet , Rome is glow .
" We are a dynamical and proactive sector , having invested in in force self - funded border solutions . Our ability to birth food and well - being is clear not recognise by this government . It ’s now 6 calendar month since the launch , and nothing has change . It is well over a calendar month since we assemble Ministers and submitted our asks . This authorities can and must break up this chaos . "
For more data : Horticultural Trades Associationwww.hta.org.uk
tonic Produce ConsortiumEmail:[email protected]freshproduce.org.uk
