The Royal Horticultural Society is to host a conference on the problem of pests and diseases which are introduced into this country through the horticultural trade.
The DEFRA sponsored 'Science Exchange' will be held at Reading University by the
RHS on 23rd November 2005. It will give gardeners, scientists, policy makers and the trade to a chance to discuss whether we risk importing new plant diseases and pests with the increasing international trade in plants.
Key speakers include Professor Clive Brasier, Emeritus Mycologist at the Forest Research Agency, Farnham, and Visiting Professor at Imperial College who will present his perspective on the biosecurity risks, and Guy Barter, Head of Horticultural Advisory Services at the RHS who will examine the current international plant trade. Professor David Ingram, Master of St Catharine's College and Honorary Professor at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Glasgow, will chair the event.
The event aims to stimulate effective policy making and raise public awareness of the complexities in this environmental debate. Anyone who is interested in attending is asked to email the RHS at leahcolthorpe@rhs.org.uk.
