Viewpoint
Words fail me! Boyd J Douglas-Davies, HTA President
A
n unusual situation I admit but it does happen just every so often. The cause of this temporary situation… I recently learned that several members of the Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA) had to take one or even two days annual holiday to attend the inaugural meeting of the YPHA at Wisley. I won’t name and shame the particular companies and organisations but I hope you are reading this and reflecting on that extremely short-sighted decision. The YPHA was formed by people under the age of 35 who felt there was something missing in their career. Well done to them all for not only creating this group but gathering over 250 members, organising numerous webinars throughout lockdown, hosting a fantastic day at Wisley this spring and pulling off one of the greatest spoofs of our time on April 1st. All under 35 are welcome to join the YPHA and should be encouraged to do so. If you employ, and want to retain, the next generation of horticultural excellence then you should get closer to YPHA and don’t ever make a member of your team take a day’s holiday to attend a YPHA meeting – unless you want to lose them! UK companies aren’t alone in failing our future colleagues. While visiting a large plant wholesaler in Aalsmeer recently I witnessed the receptionist One of the new ideas for bringing turning away a group of students food growing into along with their lecturers. What the classroom was the logic? It seems you can take horticulturists to water… but they’re not allowed to drink in the amazing displays! I’m pleased to report the HTA has initiated a number of projects this year to attract people – of all ages – into our wonderful industry. We shouldn’t underestimate how much we need to do to overturn the image our industry has held for years… poorly paid, hard work, the career of last resort etc etc. Talking to influencers, both digital and traditional, is really important if we are to change long-
held perceptions. The range of roles available is, as we know extensive, and we are an incredibly flexible industry offering so many different shift options. It shouldn’t be so difficult to recruit. I do think it is a lack of understanding that holds many back from applying for jobs with us. If every company in our industry approached just one education establishment and invited them to visit and learn we would make great progress. The HTA team has a number of resources available that can support such visits – contact us through the website.
Getting serious about food production Recently I wrote about my perception that serious indoor home food production was being hampered by the lack of proper growing cabinets and tables. Imagine my delight to discover several serious pieces of equipment at the SPOGA+GAFA show last month. One particular machine is being sold extensively to schools that are sitting them in classrooms and incorporating horticulture in a number of lessons. Bringing food production into the classroom must be the way to develop young minds and make them realise that greening the world isn’t difficult. Did you see Greta Thurnberg at Glastonbury? Surely she was talking about gardening when she told festival-goers: “We are capable of the most incredible things. Once we are given the full story we will know what to do. There is still time to choose a new path, to step back from the cliff. Instead of looking for hope, start creating that hope yourself.” As an industry we need to tell everyone the full story and help them create that hope. (YPHA – have you signed Greta up for membership yet?) Congratulations to the team at Glee for staging a great show. It was good to see it well supported by exhibitors and visitors. The show held all its usual charm and had a real buzz to it. There’s a lot of logic to holding the show just after the main season rather than several months later – everything is still fresh in the mind and discussions surrounding products can be much more useful for exhibitors and shoppers.
We shouldn’t underestimate how much we need to do to overturn the image our industry has held for years....
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 YHPA www.yhpa.org.uk To watch the April 1 spoof video visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVMRjPo6tvo
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