Defra has announced its intention to have a complete ban on the consumption of peat in commercial gardening by 2030 , with a period of exemptions being required by professional growers between 2026 and 2030 . NFU , as well as HTA , give their reaction :
NFU Horticulture and Potatoes Board chair Martin Emmett : The long - expect news follow old announcements that a ban on retail peat ( bulge get media ) will become effective in 2024 .
NFU Horticulture and Potatoes Board chair Martin Emmett said : “ The industry has been make good progression towards removing peat from the supply range , but we are aware many of our member will but not be in a attitude to be peat free by 2026 .
“ It is lively that all appropriate exemption are usable to growers and do not restrict product where option to peat are not useable or commercially executable .
“ It is also critical that any measurement required of UK growers are legislated for importation as well so that we can keep a level playing battlefield . ”
enquiry and growth neededMartin Emmett drop dead on to excuse , “ Rather than a forbiddance , we have wield that a more in force result is for authorities to sustain growers to regain sustainable alternative through financial backing and research and development . ”
The NFU will keep to work with Defra and within the manufacture Growing Media Taskforce to present the best pursuit of UK agriculturalist .
James Barnes , Chairman , HTA , commented:“UK growers are absolutely behind the sustainable conversion from peat - use . A decision from Defra on the prohibition dates has been long - awaited . The Government ’s original ambition was for England to be peat free by 2030 . Although challenge , this date was accepted as creating the clock time to have a practicable transition away from peat . ”
“ This is why the announcement that the ban will total into effect four years earlier , at the end of 2026 , even with phase exemptions , has induce far-flung concern and alarm amongst professional users and growers . There are already works , Tree , and crop in the ground now intended for sales agreement after that date . More than halving the tryout seasons available to achieve a successful transition is hugely dissatisfactory and will be a blow to many businesses that are already facing economic and trading press . Until legislation is on the legislative act books and guidance ready , we are without 100 % sure thing and clarity on the item of how the proscription , phased approach , technical exemptions , and handling significance will work in practice session . This is totally unacceptable . ”
“ The 2026 escort feels arbitrary and could hard impact British horticulture – a sector which underpins the Government ’s 25 - year surround programme . The use of peat has already declined significantly , but there are liberal challenges in ensuring there is the quantity and character of sustainable peat - free alternative for agriculturist to entree by 2026 . ”
“ The HTA has been constant and constructive in its engagement with Government on ensuring the move away from peat is achieve in a elbow room that is sustainable and truly does deliver for the environment as well as Britain ’s environmental horticulture sphere . It is life-sustaining we see government action in creating a professional grower assembly to engage on the multitude of take arising , including the timing and freedom . ”
For more informationNFUwww.nfuonline.com
Horticultural Trades Associationwww.the-hta.org.uk
