The reports, published by the Environmental Horticulture Group and Oxford Economics, predict a 45% growth opportunity for the industry – with adequate government support.
Oxford Economics’ research found that the sector, including UK gardens, landscaping, and arboriculture, contributed £38 billion to GDP and supported 722,000 jobs in the past year.
Defra Minister Daniel Zeichner welcomed the launch of the reports at a parliamentary reception last week, attended by over 140 MPs, Peers and industry figures, including the NFU.
NFU horticulture and potatoes senior policy specialist Christine McDowell said: “We welcome this report, which very clearly sets out the significant opportunities for the sector and the NFU was pleased to have been a contributor.
“The economic, social and environmental benefits plants and trees can deliver for, across the political sphere. The government now has the business case to unlock the growth potential for many within of the horticultural sector.
“We look forward to working with government departments on the green growth many grower businesses have ambitions to achieve.”
The reports found that:
- Urban green spaces provided pollution reduction and cooling effects valued at £27.4 billion in 2021 while helping avoid £800.5 million in health-related costs.
- Urban vegetation helped the UK avoid £800.5 million in health-related costs.
- In 2023, public parks, gardens, and green spaces attracted £4.2 billion in tourism spending while also proving essential for public health.
- UK households spent around £13.2 billion on garden goods and £5.8 billion on professional gardening and landscaping services in 2023.
In particular, the contributions to biodiversity, air quality and urban resilience underscore the sector’s role in advancing the UK’s net zero goals.
The EHG also published its Mission Green Growth’, strategy that underscores the sector’s importance and calls for collaboration between government, industry, and communities to unlock its full potential.
Chair of the EHG Boyd Douglas-Davis said the sector was already a hugely positive economic and environmental contributor to the UK, but could be worth so much more with greater government support.
“The time is now if we are to make the most of the next decade of growth opportunities and work with government to create a greener, happier, more environmentally sustainable society and economy.”
Baroness Fookes, co-chair of the APPG Gardening and Horticulture Group and sponsor of the parliamentary reception said she hoped the high turnout of MPs “is a sign that there is, at long last, recognition of the vital role environmental horticulture plays not only in the wellbeing of so many individuals but also in preserving our environment and mitigating the worst aspects of climate change”.
