HTA And FPC Escalate Asks as Border Crisis Worsens
Following Defra’s failure to reply to a letter to the government sent over a month ago The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) and the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) have escalated their calls for action, submitting their 10 asks to the Environment Secretary, Rt Hon Steve Reed MP.
The original letter called for urgent action following a ministerial roundtable meeting on plants, cut flowers, and border-related issues held on 4 October 2024.
In the letter, the HTA and FPC emphasise the vital role of horticulture and fresh produce, contributing significantly to the UK economy, food security, and environmental sustainability. The joint letter highlights substantial obstacles to the trade of both edibles, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, and non-edible plants, including cut flowers, planting materials, finished plants, trees, shrubs, bulbs, and seeds. Issues such as rising logistics costs, damaged goods, delays, increased waste, and complex paperwork severely impact sector growth and investment in the future.
Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Public Affairs at HTA, commented: “The lack of urgency in taking action or even replying is hugely concerning, especially when we are near daily presenting evidence and issues to those responsible for making the border function. It is not just frustrating, but costly and damaging for businesses facing lost stock, hiked costs, delayed supply chains and impacts on customer relationships. This is all now on top of the triple hit of costs resulting from the Autumn Budget announcements on national insurance, living wage and other taxes. Our asks are constructive, clear and achievable. We need the government to work immediately with the HTA and FPC, listen to our members, and take swift action to safeguard UK horticulture and its benefits to the economy, the environment, individuals, and communities.”
Nigel Jenney, CEO of the Fresh Produce Consortium, said: “My message to the government is clear - we simply need an affordable and effective biosecure border which meets the needs of industry and consumers. Not even replying shows that the UK border strategy imposed by the previous government is an overwhelming and ongoing failure and that this government has no sense of urgency or appreciation of the impacts despite us providing vast amounts of evidence. Whilst they continue to procrastinate, Rome is burning.
“We are a dynamic and proactive sector, having invested in effective self-funded border solutions. Our ability to deliver the food and wellbeing is clearly not recognised by this government. It’s now 6 months since the launch, and nothing has changed. It is well over a month since we met Ministers and submitted our asks. This Government can and must resolve this chaos.”
On 20 September, the HTA requested a meeting with Defra to allow both HTA and FPC members to present their concerns and discuss solutions. They met with Baroness Hayman on 3 October, formally submitting joint asks on 21 October.
How bad is it for Florists
We spoke to several wholesalers and the majority are coping brilliantly. However, it isn't perfect and there are issues in some places and with some consignments. It's absolutely clear that they are ALL doing their darndest but if you can build in a 24 hour leeway it is advisable … as our hints and tips below says, flower and plant quality is good and whilst it may cause a bit of a squish for a day or so far better to have it in your workroom/chiller than stuck on a lorry!
About the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC)
The Fresh Produce Consortium is the UK’s trade association for the fresh produce sector, including fresh fruit, vegetables, cut flowers and plants. We have over 600 members, representing 70% of the UK fresh produce supply chain. Members include multiple retailers, importers, wholesale markets, food service businesses, processors, packers, distributors, open field, protected, CE and vertical growers, and other associate business supporting the UK fresh produce industry.
About the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA):
The HTA is in its 125th year as the leading trade association representing and supporting businesses in the UK garden industry. With a membership comprising retailers, growers, manufacturers, and landscapers, the HTA actively advocates for the sector, fostering growth, sustainability, and innovation. The HTA is also a member of the AIPH, European Nurserystock Association (ENA), European Forestry Nursery Association (EFNA) and Growing Media Europe (GME).
www.hta.org.uk
