Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, has launched the second Plant Health and Biosecurity Strategy 2026-2030. Building on the previous 2020–2025 framework, this new strategy aims to protect Ireland’s agriculture, horticulture and forestry sectors and the wider environment from plant pests and diseases thereby safeguarding food security, facilitating safe trade and protecting the environment. “Plants produce 98% of the oxygen we [...]

The Irish nursery stock and ornamental sector is entering a period of significant strategic advantage.  While the wet winter and late spring disrupted tree harvesting schedules and delayed early-season sales, ongoing housing development and subsequent new gardens along with forecast new tree and hedge planting schemes is creating opportunities for domestic producers.  The escalating transport costs from traditional hubs like the Netherlands has created a [...]

As the Irish horticulture industry gathers at GLAS 2026 – bringing together growers, landscape professionals, educators and innovators – the spotlight is firmly on the future of skills, talent and education. With horticulture spanning food production, environmental management, urban greening and lifestyle sectors, the need for a coherent and forward-looking education system has never been greater. Responding to this challenge, the Horticulture Education Review 2025 [...]