The year 2020 was the International Year of Plant Health and Tyfu Cymru hosted the Wales Plant Health Conference which drew attention to the importance of plant health for the production of high-quality plants.
The Welsh strategies for plant health need to be world-leading in the same way that Wales has led in sustainable development. So, following on form the conference, it was decided that a Group would be formed, working with the Welsh Government and APHA and to provide a platform represent the interests of commercial horticulture.
The Inaugural meeting was held in June and covered issues facing growers in the ornamental and edible sectors. Tyfu Cymru provides the secretariat with Dr David Skydmore, Plant Health Advisor to Tyfu Cymru, as Chair. The Group comprises members from the Welsh Government, APHA, NRW, National Botanic Garden of Wales, ADAS, RHS, HTA, ConFor, Aberystwyth and Bangor Universities, and grower representatives, all providing essential input to discussions.
The Group looks forward to collecting the views of Tyfu Cymru stakeholders, in the horticulture industry, and providing evidence and advice.