Only 9 July, diplomats from across European embassies based in London were welcomed at Provender Nurseries on behalf of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA).

This visit to the Kent based nursery was organised to provide a look into the operations of a UK grower first-hand with the opportunity to share insights into how the industry works with European suppliers, working on cross-border trade challenges and the transition to peat-free.

Taking part in the visit were representatives from the EU delegation to the UK, Belgian, Dutch, Spanish, French and Hungarian embassies.

Jennifer Pheasey, director of public affairs at the HTA, comments the long-standing European supply chain and business relationships:

“Importing £753 million of plants and plant products, having strong supply chains, and being aware of the pressure and challenges they face are critical.”

She goes on to reaffirm that the HTA will continue to “hope” to see “even more collaboration with European partners to smooth trade”.

Richard McKenna, managing director of Provender Nurseries adds that the nursery was “delighted to welcome embassy representatives to its site” which now includes a completed Control Point, making it the first trade supplier to have such a facility on site.

McKenna adds that nurseries like Provender play a “vital role” in the horticultural supply chain and its commitment to “fostering strong international relationships and sustainable practices.”