The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has launched a new call to back British environmental horticulture in making the most of the UK’s ambition to secure a new trading relationship with the EU.
In its latest paper, the HTA sets out its asks for those negotiating a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) arrangement, as well as a technical annexe with details on what needs to be delivered to support sector needs.
Backed by new YouGov Survey results showing that 82% of MPs would support an SPS deal between the UK and the EU that includes plants and plant products, the HTA makes a clear call for the swift delivery of an agreement in 2026.
The trade association wants to see a deal with early easements ahead of an expected 2027 deadline to stop the costs, delays, and damage that its members are experiencing every week as they move plants, seeds, bulbs, trees, and more. The HTA goes further in asking for action to support the preparedness of businesses for the future opportunity, and to mitigate the cost hit to those SMEs who have invested in infrastructure and systems.
The HTA asks for negotiators and policymakers to:
- Urgency in implementing the agreement to ease burdens on businesses trading plants between the EU and the UK.
- Ongoing consultation and ensure horticultural business experts are involved throughout negotiations and implementation, to maximise the reset opportunity.
- Clear, usable, and early guidance and transition support for businesses to understand changes and adaptation requirements, and to minimise disruption.
- Mandatory homogenised plant passports for all plants moving in trade throughout the UK & EU to ensure competence and traceability in the supply chain, including a Notification Scheme where required, that works for traders and Government plant health agencies alike.
- Engagement and support for the environmental horticulture sector: a) focusing on building back supply chains, b) mitigating the financial impact on businesses that have made significant investments in infrastructure and systems to comply with changed plant health requirements, and c) a renewed export opportunities strategy.
Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the HTA, commented: “January 2026 marks five years since UK environmental horticulture became the first and hardest hit sector with trade barriers raised and supply chains disrupted. We hope 2026 is the year in which we see the UK-EU reset deliver a swift conclusion of negotiations on plant health arrangements. Whilst we recognise this is complex and time is needed to get the legal aspects ready and for systems and businesses to adapt and change, with 2027 the publicly stated ambition, we call for early easements to be forthcoming. Pragmatism and partnership will be key to ensuring we can support British businesses to benefit and build back supply chains.
“Today, we launch our refreshed asks and ambition for the so-called SPS deal, alongside new data from a recent YouGov survey showing 82% of MPs back it. Swift delivery of an outcome that removes the cost and complexity we currently face is critical. We restate our asks for easements to remove unnecessary burdens and barriers and make a new call on the government to support environmental horticulture and those who have made significant investments in infrastructure and systems. With the right support and certainty, the UK-EU reset can be an opportunity to boost our businesses.
“Next week, the HTA will be flying the flag for UK horticulture at IPM Essen, meeting member businesses exhibiting and our European and international sister associations. We all share one ambition – for a stronger and flourishing horticulture and floriculture sector.”
