Ahead of the Spring Forecast on 16 March 2025, the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is calling on the government to support the environmental horticulture sector.

The association says businesses are facing ‘mounting’ financial pressures following the Autumn Budget.

The measures introduced in the Autumn Budget are forecasted to cost HTA members an estimated £134M.

Fran Barnes, chief executive of the HTA, comments:

“The Autumn Budget delivered a triple whammy of financial pressures forcing many horticulture businesses to make tough decisions about their future. The rise in the minimum wage for the third consecutive year, combined with National Insurance changes and inheritance tax alterations, leaves our members with little room to manoeuvre. The margins are already tight, especially after a year of unpredictable weather.”

She notes that a HTA member told her they are facing a £200k cost increase due to the combined changes – “there is simply no more fat to cut”, says Barnes.

“Businesses are being forced to rethink staffing, investment, and long-term resilience strategies. The Spring Forecast is an opportunity for the government to take action, ease these pressures, and ensure our sector can continue to grow, create jobs, and contribute to the UK’s green economy.”

In response to these changes, the HTA is calling on the government to develop a green growth strategy, pause and review tax changes, speed up the transition to peat-free growing, and invest in green skills and workshop development.

As well as secure a UK-EU plant health agreement, protect and expand green spaces, strengthen water resilience, and expand green health initiatives.

The HTA, alongside the British Potato Trade Association, and the Fresh Produce Consortium recently sent a joint letter to parliament urging them to pause the proposed increase to plant health fees.