The HTA has come out in opposition of a suggested levy on non-native plant imports, claiming it could be seen as a tax on gardening and UK production.
Speaking on behalf of the HTA, Martin Emmett provided evidence to the Environment Audit Committee last month, reinforcing his opposition to the levy. He stated that with more than 75,000 garden plants listed in the Royal Horticultural Society Plant Finder, most of which are non-native, this levy would reduce the competiveness of the UK industry.

It was stressed that a more holistic approach to the urban and rural landscape and environment should be considered by the government, which would protect horticultural heritage and biodiversity in the UK.

This approach should bring together food production, conservation, forestry, housing, gardening, urban greening, land use for renewable energy and tourism.

At the committee meeting, the HTA also urged that a balance be struck between facilitating trade and protecting the bio-security and landscapes of the UK.

Mr Emmett said: "With respect to landscape management, there is a tendency for politicians to respond primarily to the arguments from wildlife conservation organisations. And we see this happening in the inquiry into invasive non-native species.

"The conservationists' concerns are relevant but so are the concerns of the garden sector which plays such an important role in making our populated environments pleasant to live in."