latest news

Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency launch accredited trailer training
This competency is particularly important in the landscape industry, where contractors may require employees to drive a vehicle with a trailer as part of their work.

Import controls on plants and plant products postponed to 2023
Target Operating Model document due to be released in Autumn 2022 will outline how and when a new global regime of all border import controls will be implemented.

The top 7 pests and diseases landscape professionals need to be aware of
Whilst landscape professionals cannot be expected to memorise all pests and diseases present in the UK, awareness of the most common threats can serve as a useful first response mechanism.

National Plant Health Week 2022
Association Technical Officer Owen Baker explores plant supply chains, how pests and diseases can be spread and the concept of biosecurity.

Import controls on plants and plant products postponed to 2023
The Government has announced three changes to import controls on plants and plant products will not be introduced on 1 July 2022 as planned.

Legislation introduced in response to Pine Processionary Moth interceptions
This emergency legislation amends import requirements for Cedrus and Pinus trees brought into Great Britain, and came into force on 29 April 2022.

Defra permit UK plant passports to be attached in EU
The existing temporary measure which permits UK plant passports to be applied in an EU member state has been extended until 30 June 2023.

New pilot requirement for tree suppliers to strengthen UK biosecurity
A new requirement for the forestry sector will be piloted to combat the threat from pests and diseases and further strengthen UK biosecurity, Defra and the Forestry Commission announced earlier this week.

Defra responds to inspection fee and inspection frequency consultations
Defra has announced two changes to the current system of inspections that will be implemented from July 2022.

Users of Professional Plant Protection Products invited to register with Defra
A deadline of 22 June 2022 has been set for registration of all users. Find out more on where you fit and further registration guidance.