HTA backs YPHA to promote STEM horticulture careers
The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has committed to sponsoring the Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA) to attend a horticulture careers showcase planned for later this year.
The interactive exhibit, Our Green Planet: Roots for the Future, Skills for Today, is expected to be launched at New Scientist Live at London’s ExCeL Centre from 10–12 October 2026.
Organisers hope the display will reach more than 26,000 visitors, including around 6,000 students, highlighting the wide range of STEM careers available within environmental horticulture.
With HTA sponsorship, YPHA will help raise the profile of the sector and showcase career pathways ranging from plant health science and propagation to environmental consultancy and emerging technologies.
Fran Barnes, chief executive of the HTA, said the initiative will help position environmental horticulture as a dynamic and future-focused career grounded in science and innovation.
She highlighted the sector’s wide-ranging opportunities, including soil science, plant breeding, crop technology and robotics, as well as its role in climate resilience, biodiversity and national wellbeing.
According to HTA figures, environmental horticulture supports around 722,000 jobs and contributes £38bn to the UK economy, yet only about a third of the workforce is currently under the age of 35.
Natalie Boynton said horticulture must become more visible to young people earlier in their education if the industry is to attract the next generation of talent.
- Visit the HTA’s All roots lead to horticulture page: www.hta.org.uk/hort-careers
- To learn more about the YPHA, visit: www.ypha.org.uk
- To find out more about New Scientist Live, visit: live.newscientist.com