Sale of horticultural peat to be banned by 2024
The Government has announced sales of bagged peat to amateur gardeners in England will be banned by 2024 and pledged to continue to work closely with the professional horticulture sector on speeding up their transition to peat-free alternatives ahead of a ban. The announcement did not specify a date for the ban on use of peat by the professional sector.
The industry reacted to the news with mixed emotions; whilst many regard the decision as positive and in the best interests of the wider environment, many stakeholders are concerned by legislative and technical barriers which they do not believe have been adequately addressed by Government to ensure a smooth transition to peat-free alternatives.
The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) responded to the Defra’s announcement through the Growing Media Task Force, made up of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), the Garden Centre Association (GCA), the National Farmers Union (NFU), the Growing Media Association (GMA) and the Responsible Sourcing Scheme for Growing Media (RSSGM/RSS).
The HTA highlighted a lack of quality alternatives to peat, which could impact the availability and cost of growing media for domestic users as the ban approaches. The HTA also suggested the ban does not support progress and urged the government to address barriers to alternatives rather than legislating against peat.
Whilst the commercial horticulture industry uses less peat than the domestic market, it still faces significant challenges if it is to successfully meet the 2028 deadline proposed in consultation documents. Meetings between government and industry stakeholders are due to be held during September this year and will tackle the possibility of exemptions for activities such as propagation.
Note: The ban of bagged peat-based compost to amateur gardeners applies only in England. Whilst Wales is expected to enact a similar ban by May 2024, no commitment has been made in Northern Ireland or Scotland.
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