Grower representative re-elected to Commission Advisory Group

The NFU’s Lionel Mills has been re-elected as Vice President of the Commission Advisory Group for Ornamentals.

Mr Mills, a Kent-based bedding and pot plant grower, will continue to raise issues on behalf of the industry at a European level as part of the Copa-Cogeca group. He is also Vice Chairman of Copa-Cogeca Ornamentals.

"I am delighted to be re-elected as Vice President of this advisory group which aims to keep the ornamental sector thriving", said Mr Mills. "A lot of our problems come from outside of Europe so it is vital that we work with unity to protect the interests of European producers.

"Other issues we will be looking at include a close watch on the review of the Plant Health Directive as well as an examination of proposed legislation on alien invasive species.

"Then there are the ongoing discussions on the Specialist Crops Minor Use of Pesticides, bearing in mind that specialty crops represent 22 per cent of agricultural output in value, yet only represent only three per cent of the land. We will also be lobbying in the review of the Promotion Fund for fair share of the budget for ornamentals."

NFU horticulture and potatoes board chairman Sarah Pettitt said: "I am delighted that Lionel has been re-elected as Vice President of the Commission Advisory Group for ornamentals. His experience and knowledge of the European institutions gained over many years will ensure that the interests of UK flowers and plants growers are well represented."