National Horticultural Forum
The Group helps to fund the National Horticultural Forum and is a member of its Steering Group. The NHF was established in 2002 following a series of recommendations contained in a government review chaired by Sir Colin Spedding.
The NHF has the remit to provide an independent, clear and consistent view of wider horticultural research and development issues and their context. It should provide an overview or vision of the horticultural industry, identifying the major R&D needs and the important contributions that the industry makes to all its stakeholders and to society generally. More
Society of Biology
The Group is an organisational member of the Society of Biology. The Society represents many of the learned societies and other organisations making up the diverse landscape of the biological sciences, as well as thousands of individuals. Through it, the SCI Horticulture Group is represented to UK Government and other policy makers across the wide spectrum of topics that embrace horticulture and the environment. The Society also gives members of the SCI Horticulture group a route through which they can obtain accreditation, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and eventually the status of Chartered Biologist.
Plant Talk
The Group also has ties with Plant Talk. Founded in 1995, Plant Talk is an independent voice to help and support all those who work in the conservation of plants.
The British Institute of Agricultural Consultants
BIAC (The British Institute of Agricultural Consultants) is a professional organisation whose members provide advice to Farmers, Rural Businesses and those who care for our Environment and Countryside. Over 260 individual experienced members can advise on issues concerning the ownership and occupation of land and rural businesses - not simply farming and food production.
The International Society for Horticultural Science
The ISHS is a membership society based in Leuven, Belgium. Its aim is to '...to promote and encourage research and education in all branches of horticultural science and to facilitate cooperation and knowledge transfer on a global scale through its symposia and congresses, publications and scientific structure.' With around 7,000 members in 150 countries worldwide the Society organises regular symposia, international conferences and congresses. Every four years it hold a major International Congress. The Society publishes its proceeding through three publications:
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Acta Horticulturae
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Chronica Horticulturae
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Scripta Horticulturae
Commercial Horticultural Association
The Commercial Horticultural Association is the trade association for manufacturers and suppliers of plants, products and services to commercial horticulture. Originally formed as a lobby group to represent exhibitors at UK trade shows it has grown into full trade association status and is particularly active in helping both its members and other UK companies enter export markets. The CHA is an Accredited Trade Organisation (ATO) under the Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP) run by UK Trade and Investment, a cross-government organisation combining the export activities of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Working in conjunction with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) and the International Agri-Technology Centre (IATC) the association organises UK pavilions at selected overseas trade shows, recruits potential exhibitors and, in conjunction with other government support agencies, assists them to plan and execute their export strategy. Through CHA, SCI Horticulture can be represented at UK and overseas events.
Grow Careers
Grow is a website set up by a group of influential organisations within the horticulture industry to inform people about horticultural careers and the range of fantastic opportunities horticulture has to offer. The web portal is backed by a schools pack which includes series of posters and careers information leaflets. Grow recognises the importance of careers in plant science and technology to the horticulture industry so fully deserves our support.