Labour shortages and soaring costs cast shadow over Ireland’s horticulture sector
An in-depth analysis of GrowTrade.ie’s annual Industry Sentiment Survey reveals that 36% of respondents rank labour shortages as their biggest challenge, while rising costs continue to weigh heavily on Ireland’s horticulture sector in 2025
Print26 June 2025
In association with Klasmann-Deilmann
As we pass the halfway point of 2025, GrowTrade.ie’s annual Industry Sentiment Survey offers a revealing look into the current state of Ireland’s horticulture sector.
The findings highlight a sector wrestling with persistent challenges while cautiously embracing emerging opportunities.
Over 120 respondents identified the primary nature of their business: 37.2% in horticulture, 28.1% in landscape and design, 13.2% in retail, 8.3% in sportsturf, 9.1% in other areas, and 4.1% in machinery.
Key challenges
Labour shortages remain the most pressing concern among respondents in Growtrade.ie’s survey.
Thirty-five percent of participants ranked labour shortages as their number one challenge, with many citing mounting recruitment difficulties and an increasingly limited pool of skilled candidates.
The challenge is compounded by rising employment-related costs, including auto-enrolment pensions, PRSI increases, and minimum wage hikes — recurring themes throughout the written feedback.
Adverse weather conditions followed closely, with 27% of respondents placing it as their biggest concern.
Given the sector’s exposure to climate unpredictability, this reflects growing anxiety over the operational and financial impact of increasingly extreme and unseasonal weather.
Skills and staffing shortages were also a recurring theme: 7% ranked it as their top concern, while 4% pointed to career development issues.
Respondents highlighted the need for structured career pathways, stronger promotion of horticulture as a viable profession, and improved training initiatives to attract and retain talent.
Energy costs and retail price pressures each received 5% of first-place rankings.
Respondents stressed the squeeze caused by higher costs across materials, machinery, transport, and general operations.
These inflationary pressures are eroding profit margins and forcing many businesses to make difficult trade-offs between maintaining quality and remaining price competitive.
Concerns around market demand fluctuations were also evident, with 4% citing it as their most significant challenge.
Many flagged growing uncertainty across retail and commercial channels, coupled with intense competition from lower-cost imports.
Other challenges identified as top issues, albeit by smaller portions of respondents, included regulatory changes (5%), peat alternatives (3%), sustainability (3%), pest and disease management (1%), and e-commerce (1%).
While not all ranked as immediate priorities, these collectively highlight a complex and evolving business environment requiring long-term strategic responses.
Wider market challenges
While the core challenges were clear, many respondents also took the opportunity to highlight a broader set of pressures facing the sector.
Rising costs, driven by inflation across supply chains, remain a major worry. Businesses are also grappling with the lingering effects of post-Brexit trade restrictions.
A lack of professional regulation, particularly within arboriculture, was flagged as a growing issue, alongside concerns about the withdrawal of key pest control products.
Larger words represent more frequently mentioned issues
Respondents also pointed to increasing competition from low-cost imports and voiced frustration at the absence of clear industry leadership on sustainability and upskilling.
Others questioned why horticulture continues to receive limited recognition in public sector planning and investment.
For many, the path forward hinges on stronger government support, improved access to training, and a renewed focus on raising standards across the board.
Sector opportunities
While challenges remain, respondents also pointed to clear signs of opportunity, particularly in the areas of sustainability, biodiversity, and skills development.
Many respondents see the shift towards climate-conscious gardening and landscape design as a defining trend for the year ahead, with growing demand for native and sustainably grown plants.
The integration of biodiversity net gain and net zero targets into planning and construction was frequently cited as a positive development, creating new roles for skilled professionals across the sector.
Urban gardening, export potential, and the expansion of horticultural apprenticeships were also highlighted as areas ripe for investment and growth.
Technology is another emerging force, with tools like robotic mowers and rainwater harvesting systems seen as practical solutions for boosting both efficiency and environmental performance.
Despite the pressures, many in the sector appear ready to adapt—and optimistic about what’s possible.
Sector support needs
Asked what would help most in navigating current pressures, respondents pointed squarely to practical, targeted support—starting with better access to training and education.
From entry-level apprenticeships to specialist courses, many said the sector urgently needs structured pathways that develop and retain skilled workers.
There was also strong demand for government-backed financial supports to help cushion the blow of rising costs.
Respondents frequently cited energy prices, labour regulations, and tax burdens as areas where relief is needed, particularly for small businesses already operating on tight margins.
Beyond funding, many respondents called for a more proactive promotion of horticulture as a career and a sector of economic and environmental value.
Suggestions ranged from nationwide awareness campaigns to a clearer distinction between professional services and domestic gardening.
Additionally, concerns around regulation featured prominently. While few questioned the need for oversight, many urged a more balanced approach, one that supports good practice without overburdening smaller or independent operators.
Finally, a small number of individual suggestions, such as improvements to transport, trade policy, housing, or weather-related support, were mentioned only once. While not prominent enough to form core themes, they are acknowledged here for completeness.
Outlook for 2025
Confidence in the year ahead appears steady but cautious.
Of 125 surveyed, 116 responded to this question.
The largest group (42%) expect both their organisation’s performance and the wider market to remain on par with 2024.
Meanwhile, 26% reported feeling more confident, suggesting a modest sense of momentum within parts of the sector.
An additional 10% said they were significantly more confident about the year ahead.
However, that optimism is tempered by ongoing concerns.
Just over one in five respondents (22%) said they feel less or significantly less confident about the year ahead, with inflation, labour shortages, and regulatory uncertainty continuing to cast a long shadow over business planning.
While stability may be the prevailing sentiment, the data reflects a sector still navigating complex conditions, with few taking recovery or growth for granted.
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