Johnson’s of Whixley hosts senior politicians to discuss industry challenges

Accredited Supplier, Johnsons of Whixley hosted Trudy Harrison MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, along with RT Hon Nigel Adams Conservative MP for Selby and Ainsty and Lee Lyons, Civil Servant for Defra on Thursday 23rd March to discuss topical issues within the Ornamental Sector.

The nursery, situated in the Vale of York, discussed key challenges they and others in the sector are facing, including the ‘retreat from peat’, the scaling up of UK production of native and ornamental tree and shrub production, commercial importing and rising costs associated with inflation.

The retreat from peat is a political ‘hot potato’ with recent announcements suggesting an accelerated timescale. It is estimated that between 1.7 and 2.0 million cubic metres of peat will have to be replaced with sustainable alternatives in the industry.

The industry has been hit by several challenges in recent years, including Brexit, Plant Health constraints, the pandemic and now the peat ban, which has all come at significant cost to those in the industry.

Group Managing Director Graham Richardson said,

“It was an honour to host the minister and other key individuals to discuss the key Horticultural Challenges facing our sector, the importance of our sector was acknowledged, and the challenges that the ‘retreat from peat’ brings in terms of a practical growing media alternative (in sufficient volume) and the associated timings are better understood.”

All parties who attended the meeting agreed on further dates for future discussions and consultation regarding the ‘retreat from peat’ and other challenges within the sector.