On 5 March 2025, the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), in partnership with Defra and APHA, hosted a vital seminar focused on plant health and biosecurity. This event gathered horticulture industry experts to discuss the urgent challenges and solutions facing the plant supply chain.
With growing concerns over plant health threats, these key organisations are working together to ensure that UK businesses stay informed and prepared for what lies ahead.
Safeguarding Plant Supply
The ‘Protecting Our Plant Supply Chain and Your Business’ seminar highlighted the collective responsibility of businesses in maintaining a secure plant supply chain. HTA’s Pippa Greenwood shared crucial insights, stressing that biosecurity is essential for ensuring healthy plants reach consumers.
Defra’s Nicola Spence also addressed the need for robust biosecurity practices, emphasising that it’s not just about protecting the environment but also strengthening the UK’s horticultural trade. Attendees were provided with the latest advice and knowledge to help them protect their businesses and the plants they sell.
Biosecurity and Plant Passporting
As plant health regulations shift, businesses must stay ahead of the curve to avoid compliance pitfalls and emerging threats. APHA experts Derek McCann and Ed Birchall recently shed light on key updates in plant passporting, surveillance, and interception processes. These insights are crucial for businesses navigating evolving regulations.
With new pests and diseases constantly on the rise, retailers and suppliers must stay sharp. Ensuring plants meet strict biosecurity standards before reaching customers isn’t just a requirement—it’s a necessity. By staying vigilant and informed, businesses can protect both their trade and the environment.
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