Flowers of Europe - EU-UK flori and horticulture sector gather in Europe House

Bringing together EU and UK stakeholders from the floricultural and horticultural sector, as well as diplomats and policy makers, the EU Delegation was proud to host its very first "Flowers and Plants of Europe" event - an industry showcase combined with a panel discussion opened by the EU Ambassador and DEFRA Director General for EU and Reset, Emma Bourne.

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Exhibitors from the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and the UK showcased flowers, ornamental and garden plants and presented modern and vintage seeds. Europe House was in full bloom with a floral display of the European Union flag, and the Union jack was a particular highlight!

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In his opening remarks, Ambassador Serrano reminded the audience about the values of European cooperation to provide prosperity as well as resilience and stability in a more uncertain world. The UK is one of the EU's most important partners and closest neighbour. Ambassador Serrano reminded that smooth trade is in particular important for the horticultural sector, which deals with perishable products and depends on time-sensitive supplies.

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The Ambassador explained that an important milestone for facilitating this trade was achieved last May when the EU and the UK agreed a common understanding to have concluded a Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement by the next summit in 2026. DEFRA Director General for EU and Reset, In her address to the audience, Mrs Emma Bourne DEFRA Director General for EU and Reset,followed this thought, expressing confidence that a SPS agreement can reduce paperwork and border checks, without compromising on biosecurity which is essential for both the EU and UK population.

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Director General Bourne underlined the importance of horticultural supply chains for the UK, which is a nation of passionate gardeners.

The panel "Sowing the seeds of success" and moderated by Annette Kliemann, First Counsellor for Agriculture and Food in the EU Delegation, discussed the economic importance of the sector, its sustainability efforts, green jobs as well as trade aspects. All panellists, Jennifer Pheasey from the Horticultural Trade Association, Jan Mark Terwinden from Royal Anthos, Miet Popple from AVBS and Sylvie Mamias from Union Fleur agreed that a SPS agreement will bring much needed benefits in reducing border hold ups and costs resulting from inspections and certificates.

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Apart from dealing with beautiful products, the horticultural sector is an important economic sector in the EU and in the UK. In the UK, horticulture production is valued at £1.7 billion in 2023, supporting 722 000 jobs in the UK. For the European Union, the ornamental horticultural sector provides EUR 20 billion in value, supporting around 760 000 jobs in production and trade. The Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy and Span are important plant producers and the Netherlands also an important transit hub. Over 90% of plants and plant materials imported into the UK originate in the European Union. The sector tries hard to attract young people and the creation of green jobs is one of its priorities. The panellists agreed that the sector has come a long way in its sustainability efforts but will not stop there. Water resources, peat, fertiliser uses are all important topics for which sustainability efforts will continue. Continuing the dialogue on horticultural production and trade was seen by all panellist as a necessary conditions to move the sector forward, in the interest of European and UK flower and plant lovers.

Finally, the event also marked the official opening of Europe month, the annual festivities around 9 May in which European delegations around the world celebrate the Schuman Declaration, as well as friendship with their host country. In the UK, these festivities stretch over a month and take place in many places in the UK with events being organised across the country - far beyond London, bringing communities together to celebrate our shared values, culture, and partnership. Find out more about Europe Monday here - check out the interactive map to find out about activities near you!