Members of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) attended this year’s European Nurserystock Association (ENA) summer meeting in the Czech Republic with renewed optimism, following the recent announcement outlining a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) trade agreement between the UK and Europe.
Sally Cullimore, the HTA’s Technical and Trade Policy Manager, and Guy Massey from Joseph Rochford Gardens - the HTA’s representative for ENA - addressed the key areas of interest to European supply chains during the programme of meetings on Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 June.
Delegates from across Europe also heard how a new SPS agreement is expected to reduce trade barriers and support a smoother flow of plant material between the UK and EU member states, while maintaining biosecurity and plant health.
Sally Cullimore, Technical and Trade Policy Manager at the HTA, said: “The ENA annual summer meeting is an excellent opportunity for the HTA to represent UK horticultural growers and connect with sister organisations across Europe. We discuss many common topics, such as trade, skills, and sustainability, learning from others, and building meaningful, beneficial relationships. We hope this leads to collaborative efforts like those recently seen to ensure that plant trade is included in the EU-UK Reset announcements. I look forward to strengthening friendships and representing the UK’s trade association.”
Guy Massey, Production Manager at Joseph Rochford Gardens, added: “As the HTA’s nominated representative for ENA, I continue to find immense value in representing the UK industry, sharing best practice, and learning from international colleagues.
“There is renewed optimism following the recent announcement outlining a new SPS trade agreement between the UK and Europe. It marks a significant and very welcome step forward; however, much of the detail is still to be finalised. The HTA, working with ENA, offers a valuable platform for communication with our European counterparts and can play a role in helping both parties advise and reach clarity on how the agreement will operate in practice.
“Interest in the UK as a significant horticultural market and sector remains strong. I remain committed to enhancing our collaborative efforts across Europe, particularly in key areas such as the role of peat in horticulture, attracting and retaining skilled workforces, inspiring the next generation, and developing digital workflows. These are shared priorities across all member countries. I’d like to thank the ENA team for continuing to deliver such a dynamic and engaging programme of meetings and events.”
