In the week of the EU-UK Leaders’ Summit, international, European and UK trade associations have convened at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, demonstrating the close collaboration between the organisations and their members. The visit provided an opportunity to speak with UK and international growers, designers, landscapers, and suppliers, showcasing the best of horticulture, gardens, and green spaces. It was timely, following the announcement of a shared commitment to negotiate an SPS agreement that would ease barriers to trade.
In attendance were the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), the International Flower Trade Association (Union Fleurs) and the Flower and Plant Wholesale Association (VGB), who, together with Royal Anthos and the European Nurserystock Association (ENA), meet frequently to collaborate on trade barriers and issues.
The UK and EU are key trading partners, and the UK remains the largest export destination for plants and flowers from the EU. The annual export value of flowers & plants from the EU to the UK exceeds £1.3 billion (€1.45 billion). 83.5% of the £1.4 billion of plants, trees, bulbs & flowers imported into the UK come from the EU.
Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Public Affairs at the HTA, commented:
“The UK environmental horticulture sector’s relationship with other trade associations in the EU and globally, as well as their members, is hugely valued. By working together on common challenges and opportunities, we support growth across the whole sector and global supply chains. The timing of today’s visit could not have been better, providing the chance to see horticultural excellence at Chelsea, as well as coming just days after the EU leaders’ summit was hosted in London. As associations, we share a common ambition to reduce EU-UK trade barriers and commit to constructively supporting the delivery of an SPS agreement inclusive of plant health. I thank our international colleagues for their positive collaboration and commitment.”
Sylvie Mamias, Union Fleurs Secretary General, said:
“The flower and plant supply chain is global, deeply integrated, and interconnected. As the international flower trade association, Union Fleurs advocates and promotes seamless trade and markets for the common benefit of its members and the supply chain at large. Together with HTA and European colleagues from other associations of the sector, we have deployed intensive efforts over the years to bring to the attention of policymakers on both sides of the cross-border challenges impeding the movement of highly perishable and sensitive flowers and plants between the EU and the UK since 2021.
“The roadmap towards an SPS Agreement, announced earlier this week at the high-level EU-UK Summit, promises to help streamline trade flows. This is a direct testament to the importance of industry cooperation to resolve disruptive settings impacting supply chains and to support governments in making informed decisions. This, in turn, ultimately benefits all: operators based in all producing and supplying countries, intermediaries and final consumers in destination markets. We look forward to continuing working closely together with HTA to ensure operational delivery of these high-level commitments.”
Matthijs Mesken, Director of VGB (Association of Wholesalers in Horticultural Products) commented:
“We very much value our cooperation as industry representatives. We have seen the impact of working together for so many years in our joint call for an SPS deal, and we will continue that collaboration to see it delivered. A strong agreement will support the longstanding trade relationships between our Dutch members and UK businesses and help further strengthen these ties in our sector. Together, we deliver high-quality flowers and plants to UK consumers. “
Mark Jan Terwindt, CEO of Royal Anthos added:
“As the Dutch Trade Association for flower bulbs and nursery stock, Royal Anthos values the close cooperation with the HTA that has evolved in the past years because of Brexit. As North Sea neighbours, our mutual interest is to ensure maximum efficiency for our members with the trade of flower bulbs and nursery stock towards the UK, with a focus on an effective ‘Green Corridor’. Royal Anthos very much favours the latest development regarding the UK-EU agreement to work towards an SPS agreement.”
