HTA Column – 2030, Here we come

2 0 3 0 h e re we co m e!

Boyd J Douglas-Davies, HTA President

Will 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 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 grabbers? Looking to 2030 and beyond is the theme for summer. As an industry, are we doing enough to extend the plant Horticulture – The Conference, taking place on Wednesday buying season into July and even August? I know transport isn’t 14th September at the International Convention Centre (ICC) cheap and the larger the plant the more significant this becomes in Birmingham. Devised by the HTA, this conference will but the stock at the trials was so saleable. Surely there is a way appeal to all sectors of the industry with a strong speaker list to work with growers to generate a profitable income for all and and easily accessible location. create footfall in centres? Maybe a Summer The conference will open Josh McBain of Foresight Fa providing a macro view of w with ctory hat the to Surely there is a way work with growers Showcase that features large eye-popping pots and a small quantity of saleable pots in colour would make each trolley value environment we live in will look like. Simon Reeve, well-known journalist, adventurer and TV presenter, will to generate a profitable income for all and create viable? Seasonal growers are looking for partnership opportunities that allows them to extend their season and retailers need discuss how in 2030 and he sees how the the UK planet looking may be footfall in centres the footfall from mid-June onwards – a marriage made in Adderbury, surely?? affected by this ‘big picture’. Leading Disruption in Westminster has already economist, Vicky Pryce will then forecast how the economy delayed significant announcements about the future of peat in may look at the impact this will have on businesses in 2030. horticulture. As I write we are still waiting for the consultation

Horticulture and it’s customers will be looked at through results to be delivered. Background noise certainly sounds like the eyes of award-winning landscaper Mark Gregory, TV bagged peat based growing media will be the first to go. It is Presenter Arit Anderson and AIPH General Secretary Tim really important that we teach our customers how to grow with Briercliffe. Each will present their perspectives on gardens, it and love it. Opportunities must be hidden within this change to plants and the customers in 2030 and beyond. Places are still how we do things…. Pots with built in reservoirs, micro irrigation, available at this one-day event. The ICC is sat in the heart vegetable grow pots and more are all set for a comeback as aids of rejuvenated Birmingham, if you haven’t visited recently to success. Maybe 2030 won’t look that different from the 1980s?! 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 day after the hottest UK day ever recorded.

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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.