Local MP David Johnston visited Horticulture House at its Oxfordshire office.

The agenda of his visit, on April 26, revolved around the forthcoming border reforms posing significant challenges for the horticulture sector.

Annually, this sector is responsible for importing plants and plant products worth £753 million.

The visit served as an opportunity for the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) to update Mr Johnston about their work and latest data relating to UK environmental horticulture.

Manager, Vicky Notarbartolo, from the British Garden Centre at the Chilton location, was also present during the visit.

Mr Johnston, who also serves as the children’s minister, utilised this visit to discuss the forthcoming National Children’s Gardening Week, which is set to take place between May 25 and June 2.

This celebrated annual event aims to encourage children's interest in gardening when the results of their efforts are immediately noticeable.

Herald Series:

Mr Johnston said: "It was a pleasure to visit Horticulture House today to learn more about the work the Horticultural Trade Association is doing and the issues the sector is facing.

"Thank you, in particular, to Vicky from Chilton Garden Centre for giving me her perspective.

"I was also pleased to discuss National Children’s Gardening Week and fully support their plans to get children more involved with nature."

Commenting on Mr Johnston's visit, Jennifer Pheasey, the director of public affairs at the HTA, added: "We were delighted to welcome David at Horticulture House.

"Environmental Horticulture supports 674,000 with huge economic, environmental, health, and wellbeing benefits.

"HTA members are diverse in what they do to deliver for gardens and green spaces, but they are facing many challenges.

"Whilst we represent members across the UK, the opportunity to meet our local MP to Chilton gave us a chance to brief him on the sector and some of these issues, from adapting to a changing climate to increased costs of doing business and next week’s border changes as an imminent risk and costs."