What a day – and what a turnout! Beanstalk Global was delighted to be exclusively commissioned to provide the video and photography coverage for the Peat-Free Pathway Launch Event, expertly hosted by the British Growers Association at the hugely impressive Fountain Plants site in Boston, Lincolnshire.
With nearly 400 delegates, alongside exhibitors, sponsors, speakers and representatives from across horticulture and the wider supply chain, the event demonstrated just how much interest – and determination – there is to work collectively on one of the major challenges facing the sector.
The move away from peat is far from straightforward. Different crops have different requirements. Different growing systems face different technical and commercial challenges. And, critically, any alternatives need to work not just environmentally, but practically, consistently and commercially for growers.
That is exactly why the Peat-Free Pathway has been created.
The initiative brings together growers, researchers, substrate manufacturers, retailers, policymakers and others from across the supply chain to develop and share the evidence needed to support a successful transition. And one message came through particularly strongly during the day:
Collaboration is going to be absolutely key.
There isn’t one simple answer or a single solution that can simply be rolled out across UK horticulture. Progress will depend upon people sharing knowledge, trial results and practical experience – including being open about what hasn’t worked as well as what has. For Beanstalk Global, it was a fascinating day to document.
Alongside our photography coverage, we caught up on camera with a number of the people involved to hear their perspectives on the challenge, the work already underway and what needs to happen next. See images below to hear form key people at the day.
PEAT-FREE PATHWAY | 400 PEOPLE. ONE CHALLENGE. ONE WAY FORWARD.
Claire Donkin – Founder, Peat-Free Pathway
John Walgate, CEO of the British Growers Association, explains why British Growers is directly involved in the Peat-Free Pathway and what success from bringing the sector together could look like.
Robert Parker of the British Leafy Salads Association and G’s Group discusses the real challenges of moving away from peat from a commercial grower’s perspective – and why collaboration will be key to making the transition a success.
Steve McLean, CEO of the UK Agri-Tech Centre, explains how innovation, research and practical delivery can support the transition towards peat-free growing – and why success will require a genuine collective effort.
With nearly 400 people gathered in one place to discuss, question, challenge and share knowledge, there was certainly no shortage of experience in the room.
And perhaps that was the biggest takeaway from the day. The pathway to peat-free won’t be created by one organisation or one part of the supply chain. It will be created by the sector working together.
A cracking event to be part of – and plenty more from the day to come.
Video and photography: Beanstalk Global | Beanstalk Media