The Horticultural Trades Association launched its Scottish Environmental Horticulture Manifesto on October 29, 2025, at Pentland Plants near Edinburgh. This bold plan outlines how the sector can double its economic impact to £5.1 billion by 2030, creating greener jobs and supporting Scotland’s net zero goals through practical policy changes.
The manifesto comes at a key time as Scotland debates the Land Reform Bill, stressing the role of horticulture in land use and community prosperity. Industry leaders see it as a roadmap to tackle rising costs and boost competitiveness in the green economy.
Sector’s Current Strength and Future Potential
Scotland’s environmental horticulture industry already plays a big role in the economy. It employs nearly 60,000 people across retailers, growers, manufacturers, wholesalers, landscapers, and garden designers. The sector adds £2.6 billion to the gross domestic product each year.
With supportive policies, this contribution could nearly double by 2030. That growth would align with national aims for economic expansion, better wellbeing, and reaching net zero emissions. The plan highlights how horticulture connects daily life with environmental care.
Experts note that family-run small and medium-sized enterprises make up most of the sector. These businesses face tough challenges from higher operational costs, but the manifesto offers ways to build resilience.
Tackling Business Challenges with Smart Policies
Rising costs hit hard, especially for small firms. The manifesto calls for a fairer business rates system to match rates south of the border and keep Scottish companies competitive.
Planning decisions often vary by area, creating a postcode lottery that slows growth. Faster and fairer processes would help retrofit sites for energy efficiency and remove barriers to sustainable expansion.
Consistency in kerbside collections for recyclable non-black plastic plant pots across all local authorities would cut waste and support eco-friendly practices. These steps aim to level the playing field and encourage investment.
Targeted grants for water resilience, energy efficiency, peat-free methods, and automation are key. Garden centre retailers, often left out of funding, should get explicit inclusion. Simplifying grant applications would speed up returns for both the environment and economy.
Here are some core policy recommendations from the manifesto:
- Reform business rates to ensure fairness and boost competitiveness.
- Streamline planning to end postcode variations and enable quick retrofits.
- Standardize recycling for plant pots to reduce environmental impact.
- Provide grants for water, energy, and peat-free innovations, including automation.
- Simplify funding access for all sector players, like garden centres.
Building Skills for Green Jobs and Education
The future of horticulture depends on skilled workers. The manifesto pushes for a statutory requirement to include growing plants in the school curriculum for Key Stages 1 and 2. This would promote health benefits and teach children about science and nature.
Horticultural roles need formal recognition in the Scottish Government’s green jobs framework. That visibility would value these careers and attract more talent.
Stronger ties between industry and institutions like Scotland’s Rural College and The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh are vital. New apprenticeships in tree production through public nurseries in Forestry and Land Scotland would fill skills gaps.
Recent efforts in sustainable agriculture, like the NFU’s horticulture strategy updates, show growing focus on training. These align with Scotland’s push for green skills amid climate challenges.
Benefits of Green Spaces for Health and Communities
Green spaces are essential for Scotland’s health and toughness. Surveys show 85% of Scots say they improve mental health. The manifesto suggests a cross-departmental Horticulture and Green Spaces Group to set legal protections and maintenance standards.
Securing funds for local planting and community projects would enhance these areas. Social and Therapeutic Horticulture offers big economic wins, with benefits per person from reduced public services ranging from £830 to £31,520 after one year.
This ties into broader trends, like increased interest in community gardens post-pandemic. Such initiatives not only boost wellbeing but also strengthen local economies by supporting nearby businesses.
| Key Sector Statistics | Current Value | Projected by 2030 |
|---|---|---|
| Jobs Supported | 60,000 | Nearly double |
| GDP Contribution | £2.6 billion | £5.1 billion |
| Mental Health Benefit | 85% of Scots | Enhanced access |
| Therapeutic Savings | £830-£31,520/person | Scaled up |
Path Forward for Plant and Tree Production
Looking ahead, the manifesto urges a comprehensive action plan for ornamental and productive plants and trees. This should cover supply chains, skills shortages, and grants for non-forestry production.
Multi-year contracts would help nurseries meet native tree planting needs. A feasibility study could identify imported plants suitable for UK growth, reducing reliance on overseas sources.
Stan Green, Managing Director of Growforth and Chair of the HTA Scottish Policy Group, said horticulture links economy, environment, and lives in key ways. He noted the manifesto’s timing with the Land Reform Bill debate, emphasizing collaborative land use for prosperity and nature protection.
Katie Neenan, HTA Senior Public Affairs and Policy Executive, called it a practical roadmap for a greener Scotland. She highlighted the sector’s solutions to national issues and actionable steps for growth and health.
As Scotland pushes toward net zero, this vision could inspire similar efforts elsewhere. Readers, share your thoughts on how horticulture can shape a sustainable future, and comment below to join the conversation.
