The UK’s horticulture sector “leaves holes” in the UK’s ability to meet net zero and food security, says new House of Lords Report.
The report found that the sector has been hit by the cost of fertilizer and energy due to Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
Horticultural Sector Committee Lord Redesdale said that while the multi-pound industry employs over 50,000 people, it is “too frequently overlooked by policymakers.”
“Amateur and professional horticulturists alike must be supported to transition towards more environmentally friendly practices, and the R&D landscape must be reviewed to ensure it backs British growers to innovate,” he added.
While the sector must do more to reduce its emissions, it can help to mitigate the impacts of climate change through improving biodiversity, carbon capture and urban greening.
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However, the adoption of exciting new technologies to support the transition to more environmentally friendly, less labour-intensive growing methods is dependent on an effective R&D landscape and a secure skilled labour supply.
The report calls on the government to publish a Horticulture Strategy for England to boost confidence for workers in the sector.
It advises that the strategy must support amateur and professional growers to help them transition to environmentally friendly practices such as using peat-free growing media and carry out a review of fairness in the supply chain.
“Our report calls on the government to publish the ‘world leading’ Horticulture Strategy it promised over a year ago and get on with its review of fairness in the horticulture supply chain,” commented Lord Redesdale.
“As part of this, it must secure the skills pipeline by boosting the place of horticulture on the curriculum, draw up a clear workforce strategy, and urgently address reports of exploitation linked to the seasonal worker visa.”
