Optimistic outlook for UK plant production

I wonder whether it is the ‘cock eyed’ optimist in me that feels that this has never been a better time to be a horticulturist. After 46 years of working in a dynamic sector subject to the vagaries of the weather, the market, and consumer demand I remain extremely positive about the future for our sector. Why? Well, much of that optimism comes from unassailable statistics and facts. Take for example the fact that the UK production of ornamental plants was valued at £1.54 billion in 2022 – a slight decrease of 1.5% compared to 2021, but significantly a further £760 million of plants and bulbs were imported in the same year!  

In short, we do not grow enough plants in the UK to meet the growing demand for plants and this will continue into the medium term. This demand is not just driven by the insatiable desire from UK gardeners, but also from the need to plant trees as part of our efforts to mitigate climate change with increasingly green infrastructure projects. Quite simply we don’t grow enough plants here in the UK, and here is the opportunity for us, – import substitution. We increase production in the UK to grow what is imported.  

Of course, it’s not as simple as that. Some imports are quite simply not feasible to grow here in the UK because either we do not have the right climate or because foreign producers can produce specific crops more cost effectively. What should or could we do about that? I think there is work to be done to convince specifiers and buyers to purchase species that are grown in the UK. This might mean public planting might change in style, but surely this is better for the planet to have locally produced plants, with less carbon footprint and less bio security issues. I think we have all got used to too much choice and availability of what to plant, without giving thought to its origin or negative impact on UK businesses and the planet in general.  

Another barrier to UK businesses increasing capacity, and therefore capitalising on import substitution, is the sheer capital cost required in expanding production facilities. This can be mitigated by government support in terms of grant aid – something common in other countries where production of crops seems to be valued higher by governments than ours! 

It can also be mitigated by making capital available at a lower cost – we know from experience that low-cost capital can really energise a sector and give the confidence to invest in long term production facilities. Even if capital is available to finance the build of, for example, a new glasshouse unit, planning permission can be another hurdle.  Not only is it costly and time consuming, but planning permission can adversely affect plans to increase production facilities to the point of vetoing them altogether. It seems to me that is easier to build new executive homes on a green field site on the edge of a small town than it is to erect a large-scale glasshouse unit! However – don’t despair. There are experts in the fields of both finance and planning who can help you find solutions and get projects over the line if they are viable and well considered.  

So, yes, I am optimistic about the future for plant production in the UK, but we need to collectively work together to lobby for removal of the barriers that inhibit increased production. Such barriers include that time honoured issue of a shortage of labour, but that’s a subject perhaps needing a blog of its own…..!