The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has today issued an ‘urgent plea’ to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, warning of imminent risks to the UK’s horticultural businesses.

In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, HTA chairman James Barnes underlines the critical nature of the upcoming border policy shift, scheduled to come into effect on the 30 April this year.

He states: “If these changes come in without any easements, then it represents massive risks to the UK’s horticultural businesses – one of Britain’s green industries. I write to you in the utmost urgency on behalf of UK environmental horticulture requesting your government to act immediately to address the multitude of problems we face with this shift.”

Barnes highlights the potential consequences of the proposed changes, including threats to SMEs, job security, biosecurity measures, environmental targets and consumer choice.

He says the risks are “exacerbated” by the policy’s timing, highlighting that April is the middle of the peak season for imports.

Going on to say the amount of detail missing how Border Control Posts (BCPs) will work and operate when handling high-risk plants is “unacceptable and irresponsible” of the government.

The HTA is seeking a solution that would see BCPs opened while sustaining the current Place of Destination (PoD) scheme, as well as unlocking barriers to Control Point access.

Barnes goes on to address the potential costs incurred from the BCPs, stating: “The proposed approach places the cost of all the risks and untested plans on our sector.”

The HTA’s letter to the Prime Minister can be accessed in full here.