The Horticultural Trades Association ( HTA ) launched their Scottish Environmental Horticulture Growth Strategy at the starting time of March – and it was this plan that was the matter of conversation for the Gardening and Horticulture Cross Party Group ( CPG ) in Scotland ’s Parliament on Thursday , March 16 .
The CPG brings together fellow member from across Scottish Horticulture , MSPs , and administration officials .
There are over 1 million regular gardener in Scotland , and billion more use fleeceable space . Moreover , gardening and landscaping supported contribution of £ 2.8bn towards GDP and over 64,000 jobs in Scotland in 2019 .
The HTA ’s Growth Strategy has seven key ambitions for Scotland :
HTA Chairman James Barnes commented :
" I am delighted that the HTA ’s Scottish Environmental Horticulture Growth Strategy has been talk over in Holyrood . We have several key ambitions which link government policy to the welfare of environmental gardening , whether that is through the biodiversity strategy , extenuate climate change , or promoting health and well - being . "
" Furthermore , the Strategy We look forward to work out intimately with Rachael Hamilton MSP , Christine Grahame MSP , and other representative to profit such an crucial industry in Scotland . "
Stan Green , Director of the HTA ’s Scotland Policy Board and Managing Director of nursery Growforth in Dunfermline , was buoyed by the group meeting :
" We believe that now is the opportune time for the manufacture and Holyrood to come together to realize the potential of the industriousness . have an active Cross - Party Group is an important platform to achieve this . The Growth Strategy put up the chance for Scotland ’s political decisiveness - makers to engage with us . In many ways , the incumbrance is on them as the decision - makers , and ultimately enablers , to make this happen . Given the environmental crisis , our sector ’s production of tree and plant is more significant than ever . "
Rachael Hamilton , MSP , and CPG Convener , commented :
" It was fantastic to reconvene the CPG on Gardening and Horticulture in the Scottish Parliament . My MSP colleagues and I were beguiled to be get together by so many representatives from the industry . "
" The launch of the HTA ’s Growth Strategy was a resounding achiever , and I look forward to following progress on its implementation and indorse the HTA where I can with this . "
" Scotland ’s horticultural industry plays a significant role in our rural economy , make job and contributing to Scotland ’s nutrient surety . "
" It will also represent a vital part in Scotland ’s Net Zero ambitions . The strategy launched today is very clean about the hard work the industry is undertake to make this transition . "
The HTA had earlier on Thursday presented the Growth Strategy document to Minister Mairi Mcallan MSP , Labour Spokesman Colin Smyth MSP , and Lib Dem Spokesperson Beatrice Wishart MSP .
For more information : Horticultural Trades Associationwww.the-hta.org.uk
