Chair's Message
The Horticulture Group is still young and small but has, since its inception in 2008, managed to carve a niche for itself within SCI and to expand the Society’s range of interests. Despite our small size we have managed to maintain a momentum and we aim to continue to do so.
Our aim is to cover all aspects of Horticulture, but focus our efforts on encouraging the transfer of new scientific knowledge and understanding into the industry. This includes at one end the colleges and universities training the scientists and managers of the future, the research departments generating new science and organisations such as botanic gardens which provide them with resources, new plants and new ideas. In the middle are the growers and producers of horticultural crops and the companies that supply them with the products and services to enable them to grow their crops – frequently the route by which new scientific advances reach them. Downstream are the supply-chain companies and food processors which ensure the produce reaches the consumer in a safe and palatable form.
We must not forget either that a significant part of our industry is concerned with improving the environment through cut flowers, pot plants, public parks, public green spaces and private gardens. These need good science to ensure they are produced and managed efficiently and economically.
Our industry suffers a serious image problem. Unfortunately most people see 'horticulture' through garden centres, retail nurseries and other 'lifestyle' outlets, through town allotments and through gardening magazines and radio and TV gardening programmes. Some will recognise the contribution to filling supermarket shelves with fruit and vegetables although even then they will not stop to think of the logistic and scientific issues behind getting the produce there.
The Group aims to help promote the real horticulture industry and the science behind it. We cannot do this alone which is why we wish to be part of and contribute to the SCI family. We need the added-value of the larger organisation and in return we wish to contribute added-value to SCI. We do not wish to be a Group in isolation but work with other 'Agri-Food' Groups wherever possible.
Peter Grimbly
Chairman
Horticulture Group