Viewpoint
2030 here we come! Boyd J Douglas-Davies, HTA President
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ill covid define this decade? Or will how we build on the demand from new plant lovers and grow our industry over the next 5 years be the memory grabbers? Looking to 2030 and beyond is the theme for Horticulture – The Conference, taking place on Wednesday 14th September at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham. Devised by the HTA, this conference will appeal to all sectors of the industry with a strong speaker list and easily accessible location. The conference will open with Josh McBain of Foresight Factory providing a macro view of what the environment we live in will look like. Simon Reeve, well-known journalist, adventurer and TV presenter, will discuss how he sees the planet looking in 2030 and how the UK may be affected by this ‘big picture’. Leading economist, Vicky Pryce will then forecast how the economy may look at the impact this will have on businesses in 2030. Horticulture and it’s customers will be looked at through the eyes of award-winning landscaper Mark Gregory, TV Presenter Arit Anderson and AIPH General Secretary Tim Briercliffe. Each will present their perspectives on gardens, plants and the customers in 2030 and beyond. Places are still available at this one-day event. The ICC is sat in the heart of rejuvenated Birmingham, if you haven’t visited recently then make a trip of it and discover the beautiful city. A recent visit to the Ball Colegrave trial grounds reminded me (as if I needed reminding!) what a wonderful industry we work in. The quality of the plants was superb, particularly impressive as I was there the dayy after the hottest UK dayy ever recorded.
The temptation to back the van up and take large quantities of the planted containers away was immense, any of them would have sold many times over if displayed on a garden centre this summer. As an industry, are we doing enough to extend the plant buying season into July and even August? I know transport isn’t cheap and the larger the plant the more significant this becomes but the stock at the trials was so saleable. Surely there is a way to work with growers to generate a profitable income for all and create footfall in centres? Maybe a Summer Showcase that features large eye-popping pots and a small quantity of saleable pots in colour would make each trolley value viable? Seasonal growers are looking for partnership opportunities that allows them to extend their season and retailers need the footfall from mid-June onwards – a marriage made in Adderbury, surely?? Disruption in Westminster has already delayed significant announcements about the future of peat in horticulture. As I write we are still waiting for the consultation results to be delivered. Background noise certainly sounds like bagged peat based growing media will be the first to go. It is really important that we teach our customers how to grow with it and love it. Opportunities must be hidden within this change to how we do things…. Pots with built in reservoirs, micro irrigation, vegetable grow pots and more are all set for a comeback as aids to success. Maybe 2030 won’t look that different from the 1980s?!
Surely there is a way to work with growers to generate a profitable income for all and create footfall in centres
Find out more
The Horticultural Trades Association is the UK industry’s leading membership organisation. It welcomes all sectors of horticulture – to join please contact services@hta.org.uk.
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