The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has taken a decisive step forward by officially releasing its Environmental Horticulture Manifesto, outlining ten key priorities for consideration by the future UK Government. The manifesto, rooted in the significance of green spaces, plant health, and sustainable practices, seeks to position the UK as a global leader in environmental horticulture.
Based on recent YouGov poll data conducted on behalf of the HTA in December 2023, which involved Members of Parliament, the manifesto reflects the views of 53% of MPs who support the creation of a cross-government Office for Green Spaces—the HTA’s lead policy proposal. Impressively, this idea garnered bipartisan support, demonstrating a shared recognition of the importance of environmental horticulture across political lines.
Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, emphasized the transformative potential of the manifesto, stating, “This manifesto marks a pivotal moment for the future of environmental horticulture. With the right support and policies in place, the UK horticultural sector has the potential to emerge as a global leader in sustainable practices and deliver green growth, ensuring that future generations can benefit from the original green industry.”
Insights from the survey indicate that MPs recognize the substantial benefits of the environmental horticultural industry, with high percentages acknowledging its impact on Jobs and Skills (82%), the Nation’s Health and Wellbeing (80%), the Economy (72%), and the Environment and Biodiversity (76%). With political parties currently formulating their manifestos ahead of the General Election later this year, the HTA sees the value of plants as a crucial policy solution in various areas, including the environment, health, skills, jobs, and the economy.
The HTA urges policymakers and prospective parliamentarians to seize the opportunities outlined in the manifesto. Fran Barnes highlighted the vital role of domestic gardens, constituting 29.5% of the UK’s urban space. These green spaces, which surpass National Nature Reserves in England by more than four and a half times, serve as crucial habitats for wildlife. With 30 million gardening enthusiasts and nearly two-thirds of UK adults possessing a garden or outdoor space, the manifesto emphasizes the widespread value of green spaces to citizens across parliamentary constituencies.
Supporting the growing community of gardeners not only fosters local and national growth but also addresses climate adaptation, aligning with 7 of the 10 Environmental Improvement Plan goals. Furthermore, environmental horticulture contributes to well-established mental and physical health benefits derived from spending time in nature-based spaces. As the HTA calls for recognition and support, the manifesto positions environmental horticulture as a cornerstone for sustainable, resilient, and healthy communities across the UK.