The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is pleased to launch the updated Environmental Horticulture and Industry Insights 2025 stats booklet at this year's Garden Press Event.
Designed as an easy-to-use and keep resource, the booklet provides the latest data on the UK’s environmental horticulture sector, highlighting its economic, environmental, and social contributions.
The booklet was first launched at the event last year and proved popular as a valuable reference for media professionals, industry stakeholders, and policymakers, offering data-driven insights to inform news and features as well as aid discussions on the future of UK environmental horticulture.
The Environmental Horticulture and Industry Insights 2025 booklet, available at the HTA stand, delves into key areas such as:
- Economic Impact: The sector contributes £38 billion to the UK economy, projected to grow to £51.2 billion by 2030. It also supports the employment of 722,000 jobs in the UK.
- Consumer Trends: 203 million estimated visits to garden centres in 2024, with 68% of UK adults visiting at least once. Demand for sustainable gardening products is rising, with 61% of consumers avoiding excess packaging and 40% willing to pay more for eco-friendly products.
- Environmental & Health Benefits: 85% of UK adults agree that gardens and green spaces benefit their state of mind and 80% their physical health. Roughly an estimated 50,000 life years are prevented from being lost annually due to nature-provided air pollution removal.
- Policy Recommendations: The booklet outlines 10 key actions for government, including:
- Addressing UK-EU border frictions and implementing a plant health agreement.
- Supporting the peat-free transition with funding and a level playing field for UK growers.
- Developing a national horticulture strategy and an Office for Green Spaces.
- Encouraging water-saving initiatives for businesses.
- Promoting horticulture careers in education to address skills shortages.
Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, said: "The Environmental Horticulture and Industry Insights 2025 booklet is an essential tool for anyone looking to understand our industry's scale, significance, and future potential. Environmental horticulture is not only a £38 billion powerhouse of the UK economy but also plays a vital role in sustainability, biodiversity, and public wellbeing.
“As we navigate key challenges - from the Autumn Budget impacts to border and trade complexities - the insights in this booklet provide a strong foundation for industry professionals, policymakers, and the media to champion the sector’s continued growth and success."
