Windsor Framework has not restored trade from GB for horticulture and nurseries in Northern Ireland, says DUP

In March, Fran Barnes, CEO of the Oxfordshire-based Horticultural Trade Association (HTA) wrote to PM Rishi Sunak with concerns about the Windsor Framework (WF).

She said that contrary to promises from Mr Sunak, her members have seen “an almost complete cessation of trade in their products with Northern Ireland,” since the protocol.

And she warned that under the framework, GB seed potatoes and several key species of trees and plants would be prohibited for selling to NI – and that NI consumers will find it difficult and costly to order plants direct from GB sellers.

This week Ms Lockhart (pictured) echoed concerns about Mr Sunak's promises that the WF would fully restore trade for NI nurseries.

“In my engagement with local garden centres, they are telling me this is not the case,” she said.

“The reality is that today, GB suppliers to Northern Ireland garden centres are not able to trade as they did prior to the protocol or the Windsor Framework. Suppliers in GB have not changed their trading position.”

In March, Alan Mercer, from Hillmount Garden Centre in Belfast, said that trading with GB had become so complicated that he wanted to “wait and see” how the Windsor Framework would work.

However, six months later he is much more hopeful that things will significantly improve when the WF begins to roll out from October 1 onwards.

“They are now saying that there is going to be a phytosanitary [plant] label so I think that will simplify the process for the grower shipping to Northern Ireland. I think you're going to get more GB growers coming on board.”

He believes plants will be brought in from GB like 'green lane' goods, with minimum EU red tape.

In five years, he believes the supply chain from GB could be similar to that before the protocol, he added.

A Government spokesperson said that real progress has already been made in lifting some bans.

"The new arrangements under the Windsor Framework are not yet in force,” he said. “But we have already seen bans lifted on a range of plant species - priority cases identified by industry itself.”

“Once the Windsor Framework takes effect, products like seed potatoes will once again be able to move within the UK, and products able to move without the need for expensive health certificates, ending restrictions that hampered consumer choice and damaged business."

Government advised that it is working with businesses and the EU to continue supporting trade for horticulture businesses and garden centres under the Windsor Framework, and to ensure they are able to take advantage of the benefits of the new arrangements when they take effect in October.