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For the latest Press Releases and Updates from CHA please click the link below

Latest Press Releases

Largest Ever UK Presence at IPM Essen 2012
CHA will be welcoming the largest ever UK presence at IPM Essen 2012, as the British participation increases for the fourth consecutive year. Located over two main Pavilions in Hall 10 (stand 10C13 and 10C17 - Nursery) and Hall 3 (Stand 3B51 - Technology and Supplies), the UK group will be showcasing the latest innovations, products and services from the British horticultural industry. Click the link below to see the UK Preview Guide for IPM 2012.

DOWNLOAD UK IPM 2012 PREVIEW GUIDE HERE

Late Opportunities Available at Salon du Végétal 2012
There are still last minute opportunities for a presence at Salon du Végétal 2012, France's premier international event for horticultural professionals. Potential grant support of £1000 is available for eligible companies. For more details please contact Stuart on 024 7669 2291 or stuart@cha-hort.com

Award Success for CHA at HortiFair 2011
CHA were delighted to be presented with the Marketing Cup Award in the international category at HortiFair 2011, reflecting the work we had done to promote the UK presence at the event. This included our participation in a dedicated UK seminar programme, sponsorship of the Biosphere promotion, participation in the Trade Press & New Product Preview Event and various other promotional campaigns to attract trade professionals and press coverage for the UK participants.

Particpants at HortiFair 2011 included:

Agralan Botanicoir
Bulrush Horticulture CambridgeHOK
Castlefield Products Hamilton Design
Hortifeeds Hotbox International
PPC Labels Smart Tech
Solufeed Tyne Moulds & Machinery

Registration Underway for Leading World Events
Registration is now well underway for leading international trade events IPM Essen 2012, Fruit Logistica 2012 and Salon du Vegetal 2012. UKTI TAP grants of a minimum £1000 are available for all events for eligible companies. Visit the International Shows page for more details.

The Queen's Award for Enterprise for Russell IPM Ltd
Performance in International Trade Recognised
CHA Member, Russell IPM Ltd, is proud and honoured to receive the prestigious The Queen's Award for Enterprise 2011. The award was gained in recognition of the company’s exceptional performance in International Trade over the last 3 years.
"This award is a big recognition to the hard work of every single member of staff who has helped to contribute to this achievement. It is a big thank you to all of our international partners, without their valued partnership and confidence this award would not have been possible. We aim to be able to continue to meet the high standards set by ourselves in order to obtain this award", commented Dr Nayem Hassan, Head of Research & Development at Russell IPM Ltd.
"Russell IPM Ltd is committed to continuously meeting and exceeding high standards in customer service, research and development and all other areas of business to enable us to provide the very best level of service to our UK and International customers".
View the video announcing the Award by clicking here. More details to follow...

Book Now for HortiFair 2011
Last Spaces Available on UK Pavilions
Book your space now on the CHA organised UK Pavilions at International HortiFair 2011. HortiFair is set to be the centre-piece of the first International HortiWeek - bringing together several of the major Dutch exhibitions, trade events and open days during one week at the start of November. International trade professionals will converge on Holland as shuttle buses link HortiFair with events such as IFTF and Flora-Holland, as well as other activities and technical trials. This move has seen a major upsurge in interest and spaces are selling out fast - to ensure you don't miss out book your space on the UK Pavilions by clicking here or contact CHA on info@cha-hort.com or 024 7669 2291

Grant Funding Secured for 2011/2012
CHA is delighted to announce that we have secured almost £85,000 funding on behalf of our Members and exhibitors through the UKTI Tradeshow Access Programme. This follows hard-lobbying with UK Trade & Investment. Anyone wishing to register their interest in any of the events on our schedule can click on the show links below or email CHA on info@cha-hort.com for more details.

• Naivasha Horticultural Fair (Kenya) - 16-17 Sept 2011
HortiFair 2011 (Holland) - 1-4 Nov 2011
Growtech Eurasia 2011 (Turkey) - 1-4 Dec 2011
IPM Essen 2012 (Germany) - 24-27 Jan 2012
Fruit Logistica 2012 (Germany) - 8-10 Feb 2012
Salon du Vegetal 2012 (France) - 21-23 Feb 2012
Hortec Kenya 2012 (Kenya) - 14-16 March 2012

CHA Increases UK Participation at Salon du Végétal
CHA welcomed the largest British participation in several years at Salon du Végétal 2011 from 15-17 February in Angers, France. Some 12 British companies in total were exhibiting at France's premier ornamental plant show, including 7 CHA Members and a total of 9 companies on the CHA Pavilions.
CHA Members at the event included David Austin Roses, Flowering Plants Ltd, Plant Marketing International, Russell IPM Ltd, Syngenta Bioline, Whetman Pinks and William Sinclair Horticulture. More information to follow...

South West Growers Show Praises GAN
With the news that The 2011 GAN Trade Show was its last, organisers of The South West Growers Show have added their voices in praise of the event. GAN, which ran for 16 years at Golden Acres Nursery, covered all aspects of commercial horticulture and garden centre operations; well regarded in the industry, the Dorset-based event ran in February of each year.
Read More here >

Successful First Time Visit to Fruit Logistica 2011
The CHA undertook a successful first-time participation at Fruit Logistica in Berlin in February 2011. Five CHA Members exhibited under the CHA umbrella - Botanicoir Ltd, Castlefield Products, Cropaid International, Russell IPM Ltd and Solufeed Ltd. They were just 5 of over 50 UK companies exhibiting at the premier worldwide event for all elements of the fresh produce industry. More details to follow...

HortiFair 2011 Plans Take Shape
CHA's British Pavilion at HortiFair 2011 during the inaugural International HortiWeek (1-4 Nov 2011) is taking shape.
We have secured another high-profile location in the re-structured event, with the main pavilion at the entrance to Hall 8. This hall houses the Horticultural Supplies and Substrates element of HortiFair.
We are hopeful that grant support will be available through UKTI's TAP scheme. To pre-register your interest or reserve your stand space at this event please visit the HortiFair page by clicking here or contact Stuart Booker for details on stuart@cha-hort.com or by calling 024 7669 2291.

Another Highly Successful IPM Essen for British Exhibitors
The CHA led another highly successful group participation at IPM Essen 2011 in January. Overall some 17 companies from the UK exhibited at the event, the vast majority on the two CHA organsied British Pavilions in Hall 3 (Technology) and Hall 10 (Nursery).
The growing level of interest from the Technology and supplies sector saw our first satellite stand in the Technology Hall and we plan to build on this in future years as we further esablish a strong British presence at this key event.
The Show attracted some 60,000 visitors over 4 days, with over 1500 exhibitors. More details to follow...

Record-Breaking Growtech Eurasia 2010
UK companies were overwhelmed by the high quality visitors and "amazing" attendance figures at a highly successful Growtech Eurasia in Antalya, Turkey in December 2010. A record breaking 61,386 visitors were recorded over 4 days, including one bumper day of 25,000 visitors. With 536 exhibitors, including 137 from outside of Turkey, Growtech has become an increasingly important international event - and the biggest and most important trade platform for the horticultural markets of Turkey, the Balkan States, North Africa and the Middle East.
Pre-event activities from the CHA encouraged a high level of press coverage and included TV and press interviews during the event. One UK exhibitor commented "By far the busiest trade exhibition we have ever attended - we will certainly be exhibiting again in 2011."
The 2011 event takes place from 1-4 December 2011 - more details here

Focus on Technology at IPM Essen 2011
For the fourth consecutive year the British Group Pavilions have expanded at IPM Essen and this year will see the first dedicated stand in the Technologies Hall (Hall 3 stand 3D14). We will also be maintaining a strong presence in our traditional location in the Nursery Hall 10 (stands 10C13 and 10C17).
As has become a feature in recent years this will headed by a number of UK nurseries exhibiting a range of innovative UK grown stock. Amongst these are Golden Grove Nurseries and Whetman Pinks – the world’s leading breeder and propagator of English Pinks. Internationally recognised rose breeders David Austin Roses are once again showcasing their beautiful new English Roses.
This year the UK group brings a strong focus on technology and the supplies sector. Hortifeeds will be exhibiting for the second time and in particular will be promoting HortiWet Organic – their new organic wetter and anti-stress agent. They will be joined in Hall 3 by first-time exhibitor Wondermesh Ltd - the UK's only supplier and user of crop covers and insect netting on a commercial scale.
Also new to the event are National Polytunnels and National Structures who will be promoting their range of polytunnel structures to growers and garden centres. They are joined by fellow newcomers Micromix Plant Health Ltd - showing their range of speciality fertilisers and biostumulants for professional and domestic horticulture.
PPC Labels will return for a second time promoting their new award winning TAG WELD system for secure fixing of labels to pots, and leading UK manufacturer of 'Production Sundries' Tyne Moulds will be showing a wide range of labels, growers’ sundries and tree care products including their new Budding Clips and Pot Supports.
Elsewhere you will find Plant Marketing International - specialists in the production, sales and marketing of micro-propagated plants.
CHA welcomes you to visit our dedicated UK Pavilions and meet our team on stand 10C13, 10C17 and 3D14.

First Ever Pavilion at Fruit Logistica 2011
After requests for a co-ordinated British group presence, the Commercial Horticultural Association is planning our first UK Pavilion at Fruit Logistica in 2011. The World's Leading Trade Fair for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Business, Fruit Logistica attracts the industry's key decision makers.
CHA has secured UKTI cash grants of £1000 for this event which could be reclaimed against stand costs. Click here for more details or email info@cha-hort.com

UK Companies Enjoy Success at HortiFair 2010
British companies exhibiting at HortiFair 2010 in October 2010 reported significant contacts and potential orders from high calibre enquiries, despite the relatively low official visitor numbers. The CHA secured two high profile locations near the main entrance to the complex in Hall 3 (horticultural technology and supplies) and Hall 2 (potting compost, fertilisers and substrates), and 18 British companies showcased their products

Agralan Ltd Autec (Vacuum Cooling) Ltd
Botanicoir Ltd Bulrush Horticulture Ltd
Cambridge HOK Castlefield Products
Cropaid International Ltd Flowering Plants Ltd
Hamilton Design Ltd HortiFeeds
Hotbox International Ltd Micromix Plant Health Ltd
Plant Raisers Ltd PPC Labels
Russell IPM Ltd Smart-Tech Ltd
Solufeed Ltd Tyne Moulds

For information on HortiFair 2011 and the inaugural International HortiWeek click here

Raspberry Plant Varieties Available for Trial
Meiosis
has announced the availability for trial of several new floricane raspberry varieties/selections from Canada. The varieties/selections are:
BC1-88-6.
From the Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre breeding programme in British Columbia.
Jeanne d’Orleans, SJR941-1 & SJR944-2.
From the Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada breeding programme in Quebec.
Plants are available for trial under the standard conditions for Members and Associate Members of Meiosis.
If you are interested in obtaining plants of these varieties for trial please contact Laura Amos at Meiosis as soon as possible - Click here for full details

Turkish Delegation Visits Fruit Focus
The IATC, with the support of Campden BRI and the CHA hosted a successful inward mission from Turkey in July, during the week of Fruit Focus.
This included an "Introduction to Turkey" seminar on Mon 19th July at Campden BRI - which offered British companies an insight in to the opportunities in the Agri-Technology sector in Turkey and informaiton on EU funding opportunities. There were also opportunities to meet with the Turkish delegation.
The delegation then headed to Fruit Focus to see the leading range of technology and supplies from the UK industry and for one-on-one meetings by prior arrangement.

South West Growers Show - "Best Ever "
Organisers of the 2010 South West Growers Show have hailed the event as the best ever. Record numbers of both visitors and exhibitors came along to the show at Exeter’s Matford Centre on Wednesday 6 October.
With 100-plus exhibitors and 1200 visitors, the exhibition aisles were packed throughout the day.
Mark Taylor, chairman of the show’s committee said : “It’s fantastic news that the show was so warmly received by both exhibitors and visitors. Our key aim has always been to make sure that we encourage quality rather than quantity, that our exhibitors are able to make contacts, develop business relationships and, ultimately, take orders. We are heartened that this proved to be the case at this year’s show.”
The 2011 event takes place on Wednesday 5 October at The Matford Centre in Exeter.

CHA Secure TAP Funding for Six Key Events
CHA has successfully secured over £80,000 funding on behalf of our Members and exhibitors for 6 key international events through the UKTI Tradeshow Access Programme.
The CHA's Programme of Supported Events -
Hortifair 2010 (Holland) - 12-15th Oct 2010
Growtech Eurasia 2010 (Turkey) - 2-5th Dec 2010
IPM Essen 2011 (Germany) - 25-28th Jan 2011
Fruit Logistica 2011 (Germany) - 9-11th Feb 2011
Salon du Vegetal 2011 (France) - 15-17th Feb 2011
IPM Dubai 2011 (UAE) - March 2011 (dates tbc)

Biggest Ever UK Presence at IPM Essen 2010
IPM Essen 2010 saw the largest ever British presence on the CHA organised UK Pavilions in Hall 10. A particular feature was the increased number of UK nurseries exhibiting a wide range of British grown stock. Of these exhibitors, John Woods Nurseries and Seiont Nurseries had entries for the IPM Novelties Competition, and we were delighted to see John Woods achieve success as the overall winner in the 'Tub Plant' section for Coprosma 'Pacific Sunset'.
Several first-time exhibitors signed up for 2010 including Hortifeeds, Russell IPM and PPC Labels . Due to the increasing level of interest from 'non-plant' exhibitors we will be taking a satellite stand in Hall 3 (Technology) for 2011. Click here for details

Full List of UK exhibitors in 2010

Adrian Ayley UK Ltd Anne Bags
Belstane David Austin Roses
Golden Grove Nursery The Guernsey Clematis Nursery
Hortifeeds HSK Gardening & Leisure
HTA National Plant Show John Woods Nurseries
Johnsons of Whixley Joseph Noblett.com
Oakover Nurseries Plant Marketing International
Platipus Anchors PPC Labels
Russell IPM Seiont Nurseries
Tyne Moulds & Machinery Vertigarden
Whetman Pinks  

Trade Links Built at Growtech Eurasia
The CHA has helped establish and develop trade links between the UK and Turkish horticultural industries. Working alongside the IATC and UKTI, CHA helped establish a strong presence at Growtech Eurasia 2009 - Turkey’s pre-eminent horticultural and agricultural technologies trade event CHA Members David Austin Roses, Cropaid Ltd and Russell IPM all had a presence on the CHA Pavilion. View Press Release

CHA Secure Additional Grant Support
We are pleased to announce that the CHA has successfully secured additional grant funding from UKTI and IATC for a full schedule of events through 2010-2011. Our new events schedule will be published shortly and for the first time will include Fruit Logistica in Berlin, alongside all of the events currently supported, including HortiFair, IPM Essen, Salon du Vegetal, IPM Dubai and Growtech Eurasia.

CHA Has New Secretariat
The Commercial Horticultural Association has a new secretariat. On 1st November 2009, the administration of the association passed to The Federation of Garden and Leisure Manufacturers, whose headquarters are in Brasted, Kent. The handover coincided with the retirement of former CHA secretary Chris Wood and Peter Grimbly, two well known figures in the horticultural sector.
Stuart Booker, who manages much of the day-to-day business of the CHA remains in office. He continues to operate from Stoneleigh Park and is your first point of contact. For full details please read the press announcement here

CHA Members at HortiFair 2009
20 UK companies enjoyed a successful presence on the UK Pavilions at International HortiFair 2009 (13-16 Oct) in Amsterdam. In total 17 CHA Members participated, with the vast majority on the CHA organised UK Pavilions. These include:

Agralan Autec (Vacuum Cooling)
Botanicoir Bulrush Horticulture
Cambridge HOK Castlefield Products
Cropaid Ltd David Austin Roses
GroBox Gardens Hamilton Design
Hortifeeds Hotbox International
Laverstoke Park Produce Plantopia
Russell IPM Smart Tech
Solufeed Taminco
Tyne Moulds & Machinery William Sinclair Horticulture
Flowering Plants Ltd Anne Bags


Of these Agralan, Russell IPM and Smart-Tech entered products under the Innovations Awards and Botanicoir registered under the Exhibition Theme 'for a Sustainable Future'.


ARCHIVE NEWS

New Management for South West Growers Show
The South West Growers Show has recently acquired a new management committee following its purchase from previous owners, The Haymarket Media Group. The new management committee was formed from South West Growers Ltd, the overarching company that now owns the show.
Mark Taylor, new Chairman of the show explained: "As both professional growers and businessmen, we have a thorough understanding of the horticulture industry, how best to build trading relationships and adopt new and emerging ideas into our vision for future shows. It's an exciting time!"
Click here for more information.

Parafence Impress in Trial
Parafence, the unique windbreak and shade system, has solved an over-exposure problem for Sylma, a major pre-production grower of ornamentals and trees, in Belgium. They found Parafence on the web and invited sole supplier Plant Care Ltd to carry out a trial with them. The trial, carried out on a small area of the nursery, was an immediate success. (Planteria, March/April 2009).

Research Facility Planning Takes Time
Unigro, specialists in the design and implementation of research facilities, point out that planning a research facility regardless of the size requires major attention to detail, foresight and anticipation of future needs. The role of the Project Management Team is key to achieving a suitable facility, on time and on budget. In their experience it can take up to thirty-months from conception to commissioning the average facility.

Hydor Vastly Improves Conditions
The Hydor evaporative cooling system has been installed in two sheds holding 54,000 broilers on Steanbow Farm in Shepton Mallet. Owner, Mr F Christensen, says: 'We have vastly improved conditions for the birds in hot weather and are reducing our energy overheads at the same time. We are so pleased plans are currently in place to install the system in a further two buildings (The RIBDA Journal, March 2009)

Exosect Obtains Emergency Approval for control of Light Brown Apple Moth
Exosect has announced that it has received a 120 day emergency approval and consent to market ExosexLBAMTab for the control of Light Brown Apple Moth, Epipyhas postvittana. Exosect has responded to the requests from the horticultural industry to resolve their limited options for control of this emerging pest of soft and tree fruits. The pest is recorded as having been associated with over 2000 plant species with more under threat as it becomes established in future years.
Alison Tod, Orchards and Vines Product Manager said, “This result is a huge win for our industry. To offer a solution at a time when growers are expected to supply top quality produce with minimal residues without all the necessary tools, makes this emergency approval perfectly apt to complete the growers’ toolkit”. 
Contact Exosect for more details

Export 2 Emirates - Thurs 2nd July - London
London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) are hosting a seminar on 2nd July 2009 for any companies interested in exploring export opportunities in the United Arab Emirates.
Whether you are considering exploring the potential in Abu Dhabi and the lesser-known Emirates, or are currently operating in Dubai or thinking of doing business in this region, this seminar will provide more information about the opportunities and challenges in this market and how the Emirates are withstanding the global economic downturn.
LCCI have kindly extended their Premier Plus Members Rate to the CHA for this event. Please mark clearly on your registration form "recommended by Commercial Horticultural Association". Click here to download the registration form. More details are available at www.londonchamber.co.uk/uae

CHA Secure UKTI TAP Grant Support
We are pleased to announce that the CHA has secured UKTI TAP funding for several high profile international horticultural events, offering a gateway into overseas markets for UK companies.
Under the revised Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP), eligible companies can obtain grants of up to £1800 towards their costs of exhibiting at the industry's key international events.
Grants will be available for Flormart/Miflor in Padua, Italy (10-12th Sept 2009), International HortiFair in Amsterdam, Netherlands (13-16th Oct 2009), Growtech Eurasia in Antalya, Turkey (3-6th Dec 2009), IPM Essen in Germany (28-31st Jan 2010), Salon du Vegetal in Angers, France (16-18th Feb 2010) , IPM Dubai (March 2010 tba) and Hortec in Nairobi, Kenya (March 2010 tba).
The CHA hopes to organise UK Pavilions at all of these major shows - more details available by contacting stuart@cha-hort.com

Employment Legislation Update
The holiday entitlement for workers (previously 4.8 weeks) increased to 5.6 weeks (capped at 28 days) from 1 April 2009. Holiday pay is worked out on a pro-rata basis for part-time workers.
When the holiday entitlement went up in October 2007 employers were able to make a payment in lieu of the additional amount of holiday (0.8 weeks). Since 1 April 2009 employers are no longer able to do this - although it is still permissable to pay in lieu for any holiday entitlement over and above the legal minimum amount of 5.6 weeks.
Since 6 April, the right to request flexible working has been extended to parents of children aged 16 and under
For more details on employment legislation go to www.berr.gov.uk or www.businesslink.gov.uk

CHA Welcomes Six New Members
We are delighted to welcome six new Members to the fold. Johnsons of Whixley, Scotts Professional, William Sinclair Horticulture, GD Business Solutions, Indigrow and Warnborough College have all joined the CHA since the end of 2008. Please click the links to find out more

CHA Exhibits at IPM Dubai
The CHA took a group out to IPM Dubai for the first time in 2009 following a successful explorer mission to the event in 2007. Several UK companies took their first steps into this potentially lucrative new market under the CHA banner, including Valcent Products (EU) Ltd, Hotbox International, Cambridge HOK and Botanicoir. All reported on the extremely high quality of enquiries with one exhibitor commenting that he would normally expect that it would be worth following up 20% of his enquiries; at IPM Dubai it was more like 80%

Success for UK Exhibitors at Salon du Vegetal
UK companies exhibiting at this year's Salon du Vegetal event in France were pleased with the response they received during the event, despite the difficult economic climate. At least 10 UK companies, including six CHA Members, exhibited at the event taking place between 17-19 Feb 2009. Six of the exhibitors also benefited from grant support secured by the CHA through UKTI

Positive Response to UK Group at IPM Essen 2009
We were delighted to attract 14 companies on to the UK Pavilion for IPM Essen 2009, including 11 CHA Members. Elsewhere within the show a further 5 UK companies exhibited, including 2 CHA Members.
Amongst the UK exhibitors, David Austin Roses showcased beautiful new English Roses, including Wisley 2008 and Sir John Betjeman.
New Member and exhibitor John Woods Nurseries were exhibiting a range of innovative UK grown stock.
All exhibitors reported very positive feedback from the event, which attracted over 60,000 visitors over the four days of the event. Contact CHA now for details on next year's event and booking forms

CHA at Hortec Kenya
The CHA led a group of eight British companies to the re-scheduled HORTEC 2008, East Africa's leading horticultural trade exhibition held at Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi (5-7th Nov 2008). We also organised a reception alongside the British High Commission at the British High Commissioner's residence. This was highly successful, and gave the opportunity for key Kenyan horticultural stakeholders to meet the British delegation - and several important contacts were made. Amongst the UK delegation exhibiting at the event were bpi.visqueen, one of Europe's leading manufacturers of polythene films for horticultural applications, and Omex Agrifluids who were showcasing their range of foliar plant nutrients.

New Appointments
Vitax have announced two new appointments following the retirement of Clive Williams. Mike King heads the new Supaturf division and Joe Crawley will be in charge of a new Fine Turf Division (UK Landscape Today, issue 5)
Fargro has appointed Terry Horsman to the position of national products manager (West).  He was previously a grower of salad and ornamental crops (Hort Week, 27th February)
Johnsons of Whixley chairman John Richardson has presented a 35-year service award to operations manager Jon Walker, one of nine employees with a combined total of almost 200 year's service.  Others receiving the award were: Mark Reynard, Steve Jones, Paul Horner, Tony Green and Paul Lamb, all with 25 years' service; and Barbara Mortimer and Steve Morton each with 10 years' service (Hort Week, 9th Jan).

UK Companies Enjoy Successful HortiFair 2008
Over 20 UK companies, including 19 CHA Members, enjoyed a successful presence at International HortiFair 2008 in Amsterdam, Netherlands (14-17th Oct 2008). Buoyed by our much improved locations in Halls 2 and 10, exhibitors on the UK Pavilions reported an extremely positive response from visitors across the globe. Dates for next year's event have been confirmed as 13-16th Oct 2009. More details to follow....

Tortrix moth damage - an update
It is now several years since light brown apple moth began to appear as a serious pest of nursery stock in the South West. This year the moth has been at very high numbers over most of the country and is now a bigger problem than carnation tortrix. Not only is it attacking a wide range of nursery stock but is also damaging a range of fruit crops including cherries and blueberries. Pheromone traps for light brown apple moth (Epiphyas postvittana) are available from Agralan.

Turkish Market Research Project Commissioned
Following our commitment to lead the UK group at Growtech Eurasia in Antalya, Turkey in November 2008 (27-30th Nov), we have commissioned a major market research project into the horticultural industry in Turkey. This research will be made available to all CHA Members and exhibitors on the CHA stand at this year's event for a small fee. Click here for more details

New Members Welcomed
We are delighted to welcome two new Members to the CHA. Valcent Products (EU) Ltd are based in Cornwall and are a hydroponics and tissue culture based company. Terraseed Ltd of Tadley, Hampshire is "advancing crop technology" by the use of physical barrier systems, replacing agrochemicals for weed, insect and disease control.

New Committee Members
We warmly welcome Tony Marriott of Plant Care Ltd and Carolyn Bourne of Whetman Pinks who have recently joined our committee

Organic Capital Grants Programme Launched
Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) has launched its Organics Capital Grants Programme VI. This can provide financial assistance of up to 30% towards the capital cost of plant, equipment and infrastructure of new (or extensions to existing) facilities for composting, thermophlic aerobic or anaerobic digestion of food waste. Call 01295 819640 or click here for more details

New Members Welcomed
We are delighted to welcome a further 2 new Members to our fold since the turn of the year. They are Castlefield Products and The Guernsey Clematis Nursery. Click on the links or visit the Members lists to find out more

Maximum Yield with a "Touch of Garlic"
"Like a touch of magic from the clever clove" said Bernie Capell at Poolbank Salads, a division of Humber VHB. As supermarket suppliers, they have to produce top quality products. For the past two years they have introduced garlic based products, Anthyllis and Garshield from Aston Horticulture. Using one product in the mixing cycle and another sprayed on, virtually eliminated mildew on the first crop. The season's second and third crops have also seen a dramatic reduction in chemical usage, no health and safety issues and harvest intervals reduced to zero. In Bernie's opinion the products from Aston are directly responsible for the increased yield this year.

New Member Welcomed
We are pleased to welcome a new Members to our number. Plant Marketing International of Chichester is a privately owned, global company specialising in the sales and marketing of micro-propagated plants.

Big Increase in Coir as Growing Medium
Long-term CHA Member Horticultural Coir Ltd reports that over the past 4 years there has been a big increase in coir as an alternative to peat. Managing Director Tom de Vesci explains, "This has come about, in my opinion, not only as a result of environmental considerations but also as a result of the industry becoming more aware of how well good quality coir performs as a growing medium."
Contact Horticultural Coir Ltd for more information.

Cambridge and HOK join forces
The Cambridge Glasshouse Company Ltd and HOK Engineering Ltd recently announced that they are to join forces. Under the terms of the agreement HOK's team of Venlo experts, led by Dave Warnett, will combine with Cambridge's commercial glasshouse team to create a new enterprise which will be known as Cambridge HOK. Dave Warnett is to become a Director of Cambridge HOK.

GroDome Opens
Edinburgh University has officially opened the fully commissioned GroDome, which has been designed and constructed by Unigro. The facility provides Level ll and Level lll containment with highly controlled internal environmental parameters. Unigro is proud to have been given the opportunity to work with Edinburgh University on this prestigious project and hopes that this will be the first of many collaborations
 
New Appointment
The Cambridge Glasshouse Company Ltd has appointed Dave Lowthorpe as its new Venlo Glasshouse Product Specialist. With over 30 years' experience in the glasshouse industry, Dave will be working with Cambridge's team of Technical Advisers, to provide comprehensive, turnkey solutions for both new build and refurbishment projects.
 
 
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Commercial Horticultural Association

The White House, High Street, Brasted, Near Westerham, Kent, TN16 1JE

Tel: +44 (0)24 7669 2291 Fax: +44 (0)1959 565 885

Web: www.cha-hort.com Email: info@cha-hort.com

 

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