GLAS Special: IHNSA – Promoting green urban landscapes with native Irish plants  

Val Farrell and Robert Lanigan, Communications officer Agri-Food Regulator at the IHNSA in conjunction with Bord Bia Trolley Fair held in Whites Agri Lusk Co. Dublin.

In its representative capacity, IHNSA advocates for its members and the wider horticultural industry  

Horticulture

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17 July 2025

The Irish Hardy Nursery Stock Association (IHNSA) is a commodity sector within the horticultural section of the IFA and is the representative body of nursery stock producers whose main objective is to advance and protect the interests of primary producers of hardy nursery stock. 

Horticulture apprenticeships 

The IHNSA has worked hard with Teagasc and the Botanic Gardens for many years to bring Horticulture apprenticeship schemes to the industry. The apprenticeship will equip apprentices with the knowledge, skills and competence to work in their chosen field of horticulture. The apprenticeship scheme currently has apprentices enrolled from the September 2023 and 2024 courses. The next course will commence in September 2025. Employers must be registered in advance. Apprentices can be employed before commencing their apprenticeship

IHNSA’s duties 

The IHNSA serves as a unified voice for the nursery stock industry. They operate through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and advocacy to support the growth and development of its members and the horticultural sector. As a member of the European Nursery Stock Association, IHNSA provides insight into the state of play of the Irish nursery sector in Europe.  

The association liaises with government agencies, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to ensure that the concerns and needs of nursery stock producers and suppliers are considered in relevant policies, regulations, and legislation.  

The trolley fair always marks the beginning of the amenity season.

IFA, in conjunction with the Horticulture Industry Forum, launched the Retail Charter and is engaging with retailers. IFA worked closely with the office of the Agri-Food Regulator throughout 2024. A report on the horticulture sector will be completed in 2025.

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