The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has set out its vision for a world-leading UK plant and tree production sector by 2040, powered by advanced and emerging technologies that will help support climate adaptation, nature recovery and health and wellbeing.
Launched at FutureGrow Expo on Tuesday (6 October) at NAEC Stoneleigh in Warwickshire, FutureGrow: Nursery of the Future highlights artificial intelligence, robotics and advances in plant genetics as just some of the ways to transform UK nurseries into a hi-tech, sustainable industry.
These innovations are expected to boost productivity, improve biosecurity, and help produce the plants and trees needed to withstand our changing climate.
Recent statistics show that UK environmental horticulture supplied £1.6 billion of plants, trees, flowers and bulbs in 2025, with the plant and tree production sector estimated to contribute £1 billion in Gross Value Add (GVA) and support more than 16,000 UK jobs.
The HTA’s FutureGrow: Nursery of the Future suggests that by 2040, UK plant and tree growers will be recognised globally as beacons of excellence in producing and supplying healthy, resilient plants. The sector could also contribute even more to the UK economy, public health and the environment. This vision for nurseries is powered by AI, robotics and automation for crop monitoring and production; drones and other emerging technologies to detect pests and diseases and monitor crop development; smarter systems to improve water resilience and manage growing media; and advances in plant breeding and gene editing to produce healthier, more climate-resilient plants.
However, investment constraints risk holding back this transformation. The HTA says the vision can be achieved only through a combination of entrepreneurial, innovative businesses and a policy and regulatory environment that enables investment, growth and productivity. The HTA is calling on government to work with the industry to create the conditions needed for nurseries to:
- Invest, through accessible finance and capital grants.
- Modernise and expand, through proportionate planning and environmental regulation.
- Improve access to skilled and seasonal workers, while strengthening horticultural education and apprenticeships.
In the first half of 2026, only 18% of grower businesses said they were in a position to invest in new technology during the following 12 months, with the cost of doing business, low business confidence and access to investment finance identified as the main barriers.
The six ‘pillars’ behind the Nursery of the Future
- Greater water resilience, including more rainwater capture and use of alternative water sources, alongside technology to ensure water is applied accurately.
- AI, robotics, and automation becoming embedded in production facilities, helping growers automate a range of key cultural tasks and use inputs more efficiently.
- Real-time monitoring and management of growing media, helping growers optimise inputs, maintain plant quality, and minimise wastage.
- Maintaining the range of plant protection products as part of a robust integrated pest management programme, while investing in emerging science to develop the next step change in control measures, such as the use of plant pathogen bacteriophages.
- A skilled, future-ready workforce to harness emerging technologies, bring young talent into leadership, and capitalise on new opportunities for UK-grown plants and trees.
- World-leading plant health, biosecurity and quality standards, supported by innovation in plant breeding and gene editing, to bring healthier, more resilient varieties to market more quickly.
Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), said: “FutureGrow: Nursery of the Future, sets out an ambitious vision for a thriving, innovative UK plant and tree production sector by 2040. Technologies including AI, robotics, precision breeding and biological pest control offer enormous opportunities to improve productivity, sustainability and climate resilience.
“However, UK growers face rising costs, labour shortages and limited access to investment, and without a policy environment that actively supports investment, productivity and expansion, the sector risks missing a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
“The choices made now will determine whether the UK remains a world leader in plant and tree production or becomes increasingly reliant on imports for the green infrastructure that is needed to adapt to climate change, support biodiversity, improve public health and create high-value green jobs.”
FutureGrow: Nursery of the Future maintains that increasing domestic production could also reduce reliance on imports and the associated transport emissions, while strengthening biosecurity by reducing the risk of non-native invasive pests and diseases entering the country.
During the launch of the new report at FutureGrow Expo 2026, exhibitors showcased the latest technology, automation and innovation in horticulture to visitors. The event featured live demonstrations of innovative equipment, next-generation solutions for commercial UK growers and engaging presentations from leading industry experts in automation, precision management and crop protection.
For more information about FutureGrow: Nursery of the Future, and the resources available, visit: hta.org.uk/nursery-of-the-future
