HTA discusses the future of peat reduction with Defra Minister
The importance of Government working closely
with the growing media manufacturers, growers and retailers was strongly emphasised
in a meeting between HTA and Defra Minister Huw Irranca-Davies last week. David
Gwyther and Tim Briercliffe from the HTA, along with Martin Breddy, Chairman of
the HTA’s Specialist Group, the Growing Media Association (GMA), met with the Minister
and key officials to discuss progress on peat reduction in the run up to 2010 and
the looming 90% peat-reduction target.
The Minister applauded the work of the HTA’s Growing Media Initiative (GMI) which
has successfully brought together all key stakeholders (including NGOs and Defra)
to identify a way forwards on peat reduction. The work of this group has clearly
influenced the Minister’s thinking as he accepted the need to work closely with
the industry for further progress to be made. The HTA clearly highlighted the problems
that would result from any drastic action to reduce peat use but demonstrated how
ongoing reduction can be achieved through the GMI scheme and through clear communication
to consumers, at the point of sale.
The Minister welcomed the recent GMA initiative to begin labelling bags with peat
content and was keen to support this along with a move towards a standardised system.
The pressure for peat reduction is clearly not going away and future reduction targets
are likely to be tied in with broader Government climate change targets. Defra will
be actively promoting peat reduction in 2010 but importantly will be involving the
industry in the development and execution of any campaign.
GMA Chairman, Martin Breddy commented “We were delighted by the positive and constructive
nature of the meeting which paves the way for a closer working relationship between
industry and Government on tackling peat reduction over a sensible timescale. This
dialogue has been greatly helped by the integration of the GMA within the HTA, which
has ensured the peat issue is addressed within the wider context of UK horticulture.
We now need to keep focused and ensure that the agreed collaboration with Government
leads to the right results for the industry.”
Growing Media Association
The scope of the Growing Media Association (GMA) encompasses the development, production,
marketing and sale of growing media and soil improvers in the UK and Ireland, both
finished product and substrate ingredients. The GMA is an HTA specialist group.
The HTA provides administrative and executive support, PR and lobbying on behalf
of the GMA.
Growing Media Initiative
The Growing Media Initiative (GMI) is a horticultural scheme, led by the HTA, to
encourage the purchase of peat free and peat reduced growing media. Open to retailers
and manufacturers the GMI has brought together all sides of the peat debate in horticulture
to agree a national scheme that meets both environmental and industry objectives.
www.growingmediainitiative.co.uk
The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA)
The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is the trade association for the UK garden
industry. It is dedicated to helping develop the industry and its member businesses,
including most garden centres and other garden retailers, growers, landscapers,
manufacturers and service providers.
The HTA was founded in 1899. Its key roles include: provision of advice-based services
such as business improvement schemes, briefings and help lines; training for members;
a central buying service; marketing services such as National Garden Gift Vouchers,
the Garden Industry Monitor and the PlantforLife promotion initiative; and working
closely with government to influence policy and projects.