An Independent Review into Labour Shortage in the Food Supply Chain report has just been published.  A key recommendation in the Government Food Strategy was the need for an independent review into labour shortages in the food supply chain.  The independent review has...

We held a joint branch chairs and council meeting in Maidenhead on the 29th of June and had a really positive day with constructive ideas about where we are and what we want and we'll be sharing this with membership shortly. The photograph above is the unofficial...

The Horticulture and Landscaping Trailblazer Group are pleased to announce that the Horticulture and Landscaping Technical Manager apprenticeship (England) is now available for starts.  This apprenticeship is level five (foundation degree difficulty)...

DEFRA are seeking your opinion - survey’s close midday Monday 3rd July. The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund supports the purchase of equipment, technology, and infrastructure designed to improve agricultural, horticultural and forestry productivity in a...

This is my first outing as the new president of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture, having been vice president for the past two years and supporting Sue through some of the most difficult times. I want to thank her for all her hard work particularly through...

Defra have published a Plant Health Research and Development Plan (2023 to 2028). The plan summarises how Defra currently meets its plant health research and development needs and identifies our priorities for the future. It will guide the commissioning of Defra’s...

The Horticulture and Landscaping Trailblazer Group are pleased to announce that the Horticulture and Landscaping Technical Manager apprenticeship (England) is now available for starts.  This apprenticeship is level five (foundation degree difficulty) and suitable...

The Grand Final for the 2023 Young Horticulturist of the Year Competition took place on Saturday 6th May at the prestige Emmanuel College, Cambridge.  The college is one of the old colleges, founded in 1584 by Sir Walter Mildmay, Chancellor of the Exchequer to...

Growers will be able to apply for a Water Management grant in a few weeks’ time. More information is available at Water Management grants: get ready for round 2 - Farming (blog.gov.uk) . The grant which will open for applications in Mid-April covers horticultural...

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has opened its Call for Evidence (CfE) for the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) Review to understand sector views on the roles that are being filled by migrant workers, the salaries they are paid and implications of potential...

The UK Government recently published its Net Zero Growth Plan, which outlines how the UK will further its efforts towards net zero by 2050. The Plan includes more detail on support for farmers to calculate and reduce on farm emissions.  The headline publication...

Defra recently published the Nature markets: A framework for scaling up private investment in nature recovery and sustainable farming and the new Green Finance Strategy set out how farmers/growers can access payments from both the public and private sector for the...

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...

UPDATE: The Chartered Institute of Horticulture (CIH) welcomes the publication of the report from The House of Lords Horticultural Sector Committee Inquiry on the Horticulture Industry. The Committee sought evidence from a broad range of horticulture businesses,...

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...