BOA urges growers to step up support for vital crop protection work
The British Ornamentals Association (BOA) has issued an urgent call for growers across the UK ornamentals sector to increase financial support for Horticultural Crop Protection Ltd (HCP), warning that continued access to essential plant protection products (PPPs) is at risk unless funding becomes more widespread.
HCP works on behalf of the sector to secure Extensions of Authorisation for Minor Use (EAMUs) and Emergency Authorisations (EAs), enabling growers to legally use PPPs on ornamental crops. Around 70% of the PPPs used in ornamentals production rely on these authorisations, making HCP’s work critical to commercial viability.
While the BOA has praised those businesses already contributing voluntarily, it says funding remains “too unevenly spread” to sustain the work long-term. Without broader backing, many authorisations could lapse, threatening UK production of a wide range of ornamental crops.
Centralised contributions through BGA
To simplify the system, the BOA and HTA have confirmed that all 2026 voluntary contributions must now be made exclusively through the British Growers Association (BGA), which administers the scheme on behalf of the sector. Neither BOA nor HTA retain any commission, with funds passed directly to support HCP’s operations.
The sector is currently collecting contributions for the April 2025–March 2026 year, with the next cycle opening in April 2026. Growers who previously contributed through BOA or HTA must re‑register via BGA to continue supporting the scheme.
“Protecting the future of UK ornamental production”
BOA chair Derek Jarman said the need for wider engagement is crucial:
“Access to effective plant protection products is fundamental to the viability of UK ornamental production. HCP’s work supports the crops we grow, the businesses we run, and the supply chains that depend on them. If your business benefits from these authorisations—and most do—we strongly encourage you to contribute.”
How to contribute
Growers can find full details and access the contribution process via: