MPs’ support for plant growers

South Holland MP Sir John Hayes is backing plant growers who are struggling amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

Sir John, who has been supported by 12 other MPs, has written to George Eustice, secretary of state for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, setting out three points of action to help the ornamental horticulture sector.

In his letter Sir John said: “We are writing to highlight the immense difficulties currently being experienced by those in the ornamental horticulture sector.

“Social distancing has resulted in the removal of numerous primary routes to market during peak season, in which the majority of their yearly produce is sold to supermarkets, garden centres, florists, at auction and elsewhere.

“Consequently, as plants, flowers and bulbs are seasonal and perishable, over £200 million worth of produce will be wasted, with lost plant sales amounting to £687 million by the end of June.

“The horticulture industry has deep national roots, comprising around 600 to 700 family businesses, many of which have cultivated the same land for generations.

“As the sector contributes £1.4billion to the nation’s GDP, providing 15,000 rural jobs directly and almost 30,000 indirectly, it is crucial to rural prosperity. Last year over 500,000 jobs were supported by ornamental horticulture.”

The points proposed by Sir John and the other 12 MPs are:

• A support package of up of £250m to ensure businesses have sufficient capital for future investment in stock for the 2021 season and beyond.
• As many businesses within the sector have struggled with the timescales associated with the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, an extension to the terms to allow at least ten years to pay back the loans.
• As garden centres are often large, open air spaces, well placed to operate in accordance with strict social distancing measures, they should be included in the first wave of restriction relaxations.

Sir John continued: “Whilst horticulture may not strike people as a pivotal priority at this time of crisis, we must consider investing in businesses upon which we depend for medium and long-term prosperity.

“Plants, flowers and green spaces not only reduce Co2 from the atmosphere, they bring beauty and calm to urban environments and contribute to the physical and mental wellbeing of millions.”