The Horticultural Trades Association ( HTA ) , Fresh Produce Consortium ( FPC ) and the British Potato Trade Association ( BPTA ) have jointly spell to Defra Ministers on Plant Health Fees and also to the Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP , Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster , demanding straightaway ill-tempered - governmental coaction to secure the hereafter of the UK ’s horticulture and saucy produce industries . unsuccessful person to work now risks undermining the UK ’s solid food security department and imperil the livelihoods of thousands of businesses .
Fran Barnes , Chief Executive of the HTA , highlighted the devastating impact of recent policy change : " Our members are confront unprecedented cost pressures from the recent home insurance and salary hikes . We are escalating our call to pause Plant Health Fee hiking and our joint call for elderly government engagement , as the accumulative impact of these policies , coupled with a deficiency of recognition from the politics , is create significant dubiousness that will at long last lead to a decrease in investment in green spaces and the ability to deliver for communities . We urgently need the administration to address these challenge to ensure the long - term sustainability of the horticultural sector . The fourth dimension for discussion is over ; the time for action is now . "
Nigel Jenney , Chief Executive of the FPC , tell : " At the FPC , we have practical , practicable solutions that deliver clear benefits for the industry , the administration , and British consumers . We trust in employ the untapped expertness and infrastructure of the industry to promote creditworthy , cost - effectual trade . Our proposals are straight , doable , and line up perfectly with the government activity ’s plan to ’re - wire ' Whitehall and create a more streamlined state while tone up the nation ’s saving .
" It is of the essence that the Treasury and Defra engage with us now to capitalise on these opportunities . Our solutions are not just beneficial — they are necessary ! They proffer a clear roadmap for growth , competitiveness , and sustainability . By acting resolutely and collaboratively with industry partner , the government can strengthen the resiliency and efficiency of our provision string , ensuring continued access to affordable , overbold produce for everyone . "
The HTA , FPC and BPTA hard believe that the swift engagement with the sector and activity on border issues and related policies will make a sustainable and thriving environs for horticulture and bracing produce businesses , positively affect economical growth , food affordability , and consumer wellbeing across the UK .
Jenney concluded : " The solution are quick . The industry is united . We now invite the administration to partner with us , demonstrating leaders and commitment to a lucky , resilient horticultural and fresh produce sphere for Britain . "
The HTA , FPC and BPTA remain attached to contiguous and collaborative mesh with the governing , ensure the farseeing - full term success and stability of the UK ’s lively horticulture and fresh produce industries . Together , they wrote to the Defra Minister on 14 March concerning the Plant Health Fees reference , call for a intermission , and now they need to see a reply and legal action .
For more information : Horticultural Trades Associationwww.hta.org.uk
impudent Produce ConsortiumEmail:[email protected]freshproduce.org.uk
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