No Plants, No Planet: Horticulture making a world of difference

The Institute of Horticulture tackled some of the most challenging issues facing the industry at its annual conference in September. Entitled ‘No Plants, No Planet: Horticulture – making a world of difference’, the two day programme focussed on how horticulture is adapting to the challenges of climate change, threats to food security, global warming, changing urban and community land use and risks to bio diversity. President of the Institute of Horticulture, Dr Heather Barrett-Mold FI Hort, urged the industry to take advantage of the Governments ‘Big Society’ ethos. She said ‘’Horticulture is a force for social and economic change. It underpins so many of the Government’s priorities, yet we don’t have a whole area of civil service that has a good understanding of the depth and range of horticulture and its holistic value.’’ The IoH President outlined the scale, nature and diversity of the horticulture industry and the many ways in which it benefits society and the economy including;climate change mitigation and adaptation, increased biodiversity especially in the urban environment, food security, tourism and leisure, health and well being. Dr Heather Barrett-Mold FI Hort said ‘’The industry needs a Horticulture Skills strategy, greater support for horticultural research and improved communication between Government departments to highlight the value of horticulture and how it can help meet Government targets.’’ The Institute is working hard in relation to these issues and towards uniting a growing profession. It is sharing information with Government ministers and is working in partnership with many interested organisations such as the National Horticultural Forum, the HTA, CABE, RHS and Lantra. The Institute is joining the All-Party Parliamentary Gardening and Group and is working with the International Society for Horticulture Science on horticulture advocacy. It is seeking to achieve chartered status for horticulturists and is working with the Heads of Horticulture and training providers to support the development of appropriate qualifications for horticulturists. It is also running a pilot mentoring programme for the industry and is a partner supporting the Grow careers initiative. Website:http://www.horticulture.org.uk/ [PRESS RELEASE]

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