The GCA is fully supportive of the need to remove peat from amateur horticulture (May 2021).
We support the Growing Media Taskforce statement and will be working alongside our colleagues in its aims.
There is a need to assist gardeners in making the transition from peat based growing media and we believe this is possible by 2025, subject to the availability of quality peat free composts to meet consumer demand.
We understand the challenge for the manufacturers, which will be to find sufficient quantities of the right materials necessary to replace peat, so that quality growing media is available to everyone.
Growers will need a level playing field with imported plants and material support from Government will be absolutely vital, in order for both to be achieved.
Gardening is a force for good in the population’s mental and physical health and, also, for the environment.
The more people that are involved in gardening the more they are aware first-hand of the changes happening in the climate and, so, are more likely to respond positively to adjust the way they live.
The GCA represents nearly 200 garden centres nationwide. Through sharing information and its inspection programme the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.
For further information, please call 01244 952170. Alternatively, please visit www.gca.org.uk, log on to www.facebook.com/pages/GardenCentreAssociation or follow the organisation on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GC_Association.
