The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has been accepted into the UK Domestic Advisory Group (DAG) which allows for horticultural voices to be heard in future debates over trade with the European Union.

The DAG is a consultative body which enables the government to hear from those most affected by the operation of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

The agreement sets out arrangements in areas such as trade in goods and in services in an effort to have ties that go beyond traditional free trade agreements.

It represents a quietly big step forward, with a horticultural voice will be heard in debates surrounding how the UK’s trade relationship with Europe should evolve over the coming years.

“We welcome the HTA’s appointment to the DAG group, an important consultative forum to advise on key challenges and opportunities for UK-EU trade,” says Jennifer Pheasey, director of policy and public affairs at the HTA.

“Our participation is a recognition of the HTA’s unique expertise and insights on the detail and complexity of moving plants and sector products across the UK-EU border, and the fact that the industry has been significantly impacted.

“Given current challenges and the upcoming TCA review, this appointment is timely, and we look forward to constructively engaging as an active DAG member.”

The DAG typically meet twice a year, and rotates the location of its meetings across all four nations of the UK.