Fran Barnes, Chief Govt of the Horticultural Trades Affiliation (HTA), responds to the result of Theresa Villiers MP’s Ten-Minute Rule Movement on the prohibition of the sale of peat.
“The Horticultural Trades Affiliation and wider environmental horticulture sector have been working extremely onerous to transition away from peat use. At present discount charges, with an estimated 10% or much less of peat in baggage of compost in 2023, the sector is already heading near zero by the top of this 12 months. This lower is attributed to the collaborative efforts of UK suppliers, retailers, and gardeners to undertake peat-free practices.
“Subsequently, we discover it curious that parliamentary time was given to one thing already occurring. The business is on observe to section out peat use in baggage of compost in retail settings with out the necessity for laws.
“We urge MPs, who will debate this topic at its second studying, to offer in-depth consideration to the UK’s tree and plant growers and permit them the time and grant help for trials, gear, and evaluation in the direction of a 2030 deadline for peat-free rising (with the notable exceptions wanted for conservation causes). A few of our grower members have already made the transition to peat-free, whereas others are nonetheless on this complicated journey with hundreds of various plant species being propagated. With the best help, we are able to ultimately obtain this milestone; with out help, there will likely be a big contraction within the vegetation and bushes that British environmental horticulture will be capable to produce.”
For extra info:Horticultural Trades Associationwww.the-hta.org.uk
Publication date:
Wed 17 Apr 2024