SAVE

Maggiore Grande Medio Piccolo

Pot size: 19-23 cm 8-10 inch

Pot size: 14-17 cm Gallon

Pot size: 12-13 cm Quart-5 inch

Pot size: 7-10,5 cm Quart-5 inch

THE DATE 17-21 September 2023

Suncheon, Republic of Korea

was time-consuming and, from a crop perspective, not always the ideal solution. Plastic pots are a big challenge, we have introduced a pot that is easy for our local authorities to recycle, but we would like to find an alternate solution to plastic use. We are working with several companies to trial potential solutions.”

Your Peat Reduction Policy states that Allensmore has been working for more than 30 years on eliminating its use. Can you let us know about the challenges involved and the positive results you are experiencing?

“Peat alternatives have been on the market for many years, but consistency, availability and affordability have always been the challenge, and to some extent, these are still challenging, particularly as demand will increase. As growers, we need to learn to work with these products. They don’t drain or retain moisture or nutrients in quite the same way as peat, and sometimes our growing practices need to be adapted to use them. We are sub-irrigating, which helps, and perennial crops are perhaps more suitable for peat-free production as they do not naturally grow in peat. We grow small peatfree batches alongside our reduced peat commercial crop, then monitor and evaluate their performance. We aim for our production to be peat free in 2026, but if this year’s trials are positive, we would like to achieve this earlier. We are also working with other growers like the Royal Horticultural Society, the Horticultural Trades Association, and our growing media suppliers to help with technical and supply challenges.”

Is it true you send zero waste to landfill? Tell us more about how you achieved this - and what are you doing with the things you can't recycle?

“We work with a very proactive local recycling company, suppliers, and farmers. We sometimes have to store materials to make recycling effective, and it does add cost at times, but it helps us achieve our aims.”

What tools or certifications does Allensmore use in its sustainability approach?

“Our changes have not been driven by using tools, initiatives or third parties, nor were customers making demands ten years ago. That is, however, changing, and customers are now increasing their expectations and requiring that we use third-party organisations. We hope this proves to be a positive change and results in positive, further change for Allensmore and others in our industry.”

Has being focused on sustainability undermined or improved the financial results of Allensmore?

“It has increased capital costs in the short term but reduced running costs in the long term. For example, sub-irrigated beds cost more than conventional beds to build, but they result in less water being used and overall watering being more, even reducing waste. Payback periods can vary, and at times they can be long.”

In what way does politics or global events influence the business, for example, with supplies of your Italian specimen plants and Mediterranean Plants?

“No one in business wants an increase in costs or administrative burden. At an international or national level, one small business like Allensmore is unlikely to be able to find solutions or perhaps even see what is coming down the road, so we work with our trade bodies to help in these areas. Most governments want to see business flourish, but they don’t always understand the impact of policies or decisions, so working with our trade bodies helps us communicate with the government.”

How have you managed seasonal labour since Brexit?

“Our returning seasonal staff applied for ‘Settled Status’, and we are making use of the ‘Seasonal Workers’ Scheme’ that enables us to bring staff in for six months per year. We have good quality accommodation on our sites and pay reasonable rates. There are increased levels of administration, but we are finding good quality staff.”

What is your view of today's global ornamental horticulture trade compared to when you began?

“Allensmore has been in business for just over 50 years, and as you would expect, things have changed over the years, be it greater globalisation or indeed, at times, reduced global trade which perhaps is the result of Brexit in the UK. However, sales of ornamental plants have flourished, helped by growers and retailers focusing on impulse sales, making selection easier for consumers, and using the improved breeding in ornamental plants.”

Tell me about your background in horticulture. When did you start at Allensmore, and what was the path you took to get to where you are today?

“I have worked in the industry since leaving school at 16, mostly in the hardy plant sector, but also a stint in young plants for the protected (bedding) plant sector. We are lucky to have such a diverse and fascinating industry and dedicated and committed people working in the industry. I have only been with Allensmore for just over a year, but I knew many of the management team before I started, and they are a great team to be working with.”

Aside from winning AIPH IGOTY23, what for you has been the most satisfying moment in your organisation’s history?

“I am sure there have been many satisfying moments for Allensmore over the years, but as I have only been with the business for a year, I would say that starting our current cohort of five apprentices is the most thing I have been involved with. These guys are the future for Allensmore and the industry.”