The latest Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (Smeta) standards, which are due to come into force on 10th September, require UK growers to bear all recruitment expenses for seasonal workers, encompassing transport and visa costs.  The National Farmers Union, British...

The Society of Chemical Industry holds The Bright SCIdea Challenge, which provides support for students at university in the UK and internationally, to develop an innovative science-based idea into a business plan and to compete for a prize worth £5,000. Entrants...

The UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently announced a package of measures to support farmers and grow the UK’s farming and food sector. This includes: •            Further support for farmers and growers affected...

National Children's Gardening Week 2024 runs from 25 May to 2 June, an event which is now widely supported by the UK garden industry. Read the full Garden News article here, which features the CIH's Grow Careers North event taking place at Harewood House in Leeds on...

The Chartered Institute of Horticulture (CIH) is delighted to be supporting ‘World Therapeutic Horticulture Day’ taking place for the second year on 18th May. The day is dedicated to highlighting the numerous therapeutic benefits of horticulture and gardening, such as...

Thursday, 9th May took us to Hestercombe House and Gardens, Taunton, Somerset for the 2024 Young Horticulturist of the Year Grand Final. Hestercombe was an amazing venue, and we were lucky to be bathed in sunshine all day. The knowledge across this year’s finalists...

The Tree Health Centre at the Yorkshire Arboretum launches virtual reality (VR) experience, educating future generations on tree health threats. As part of celebrations to mark National Plant Health Week, Askham Bryan College and the Tree Health Centre at the...

New requirements to SEDEX Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) workforce audits will require UK farming and growing business to pay for the recruitment and transportation fees of the seasonal workers they employ. SEDEX is a non-profit organisation that aims to improve...

Effective from 30th April 2024, implementation of the common user charge for commercial movements of all animal products, medium and high risk plants, and plant products through the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel. Exemptions: The charge will not apply to low-risk plants...

After a well fought round of Regional Finals across the UK and Ireland, we are pleased to announce the Grand Finalists for 2024 are: Ireland: Chloe Callanan, The National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, Glasnevin, Dublin Scotland: James Douglass, SRUC and the Royal...

Effective from 30th April 2024, implementation of the common user charge for commercial movements of all animal products, medium and high risk plants, and plant products through the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel. Exemptions: The charge will not apply to low-risk plants...

The Spring 2024 publication of The Horticulturist is out now for all members. View the preview of what’s inside this edition here.

Inspiring, celebrity garden designer, Danny Clarke (aka The Black Gardener) is hosting the ceremony for the national Land-Based & Environment Learner (LBEL) Awards later this year, with today marking the opening of nominations for 2024 entries. For the second year...

The Chartered Institute of Horticulture (CIH) are working with other sector associations on an Access All Areas EDI strategy and programme of work to become more equitable, diverse and inclusive in all that we do as a group for all. You may recall the charter was...

As International Women's Day approaches on 8 March 2024, the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Charter for Horticulture, Arboriculture, Landscaping & Garden Media professions stand together to celebrate the achievements of women worldwide and reaffirm their...

The Department of Education (DoE) announce a consultation on The Advanced British Standard. Over the next decade, DoE are seeking to introduce the Advanced British Standard (ABS), a new Baccalaureate-style qualification framework for 16-19 year-olds. The ABS will:...

The grant is open to horticultural and farm businesses and is to cover 50% of the costs of robotic and automated equipment (paying out £25,000 - £500,000), and 25% of solar equipment (paying out £15,000-£100,000). Deadline for applications 21 March 2024.  Click here...

Round 1 of the 2024 Young Horticulturist of the Year Competition (YHoY) is well underway and the closing date Thursday 29th February is approaching fast!  We have a new platform, a new look registration and single link access to the round making it quick and easy...

We are thrilled to be launching the 2024 Young Horticulturist of the Year Competition (YHoY) run by the Chartered Institute of Horticulture, with the online Round 1 opening for entry on Thursday, 1 February 2024, the link can be found on our website and social media...

Firstly, a very happy and healthy new year to you all. I hope you had time for some rest and are recharged for the year ahead – I was lucky to have an extended break and saw Christmas at Kew, and the snowman trail at Hillsborough Castle – wonderful gardens excellently...

Outstanding Horticultural Project    The Chartered Institute of Horticulture have awarded their Norah Stucken Award for 2023 to Bankside Open Spaces Trust (BOST) for their work with the Future Gardeners Program.  The award is made for projects that have...

Outstanding Horticultural Students Recognised   The Chartered Institute of Horticulture have awarded their Pam Pointer Awards for 2023 to Joe Lofthouse and Melanie Davies. The award is made to recognise outstanding practical and academic achievements as nominated...

The Autumn 2023 publication of The Horticulturist is out now for all members. View the preview of what's inside this edition here.

Some focus on the need of government to invest in the sector this month with the House of Lords Report, we will be keeping a keen eye on the follow up to this and the excellent step by the Irish Government to invest in the development of the Commercial Horticulture...