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Green challenges: Horticulture in dialogue with politicians in Stuttgart
Politicians and entrepreneurs discussed the challenges of horticulture and future plans at the parliamentary evening in Stuttgart-Vaihingen.
Green challenges: Horticulture in dialogue with politicians in Stuttgart
On May 15, 2025, the Parliamentary Evening of Horticultural Associations took place at the Elsäßer nursery in Stuttgart-Vaihingen, to which over 100 guests from politics and horticulture were invited. Among the prominent people present were State Secretary Sabine Kurtz, State Secretary Volker Schebesta and Martin Hahn, Chairman of the Committee for Nutrition, Rural Areas and Consumer Protection. Gabot reports that Dr. Michael Ernst, director of the State School of Horticulture in Hohenheim, who showed guests around the various test areas.
The invitation to this insightful evening came from the Horticultural Association of Baden-Württemberg-Hesse (GVBWH) and the Association of Gardening, Landscape and Sports Field Construction Baden-Württemberg e. V. (VGL BW). At a joint dinner, entrepreneurs from the green sector discussed the challenges that the industry currently has to overcome with members of the state parliament.
Current challenges in the industry
In a panel discussion, various problems that are important for horticulture were addressed. These include influx, noise and fine dust pollution as well as climatic changes that lead to extreme weather conditions. Participants agreed that greener urban development is necessary to reduce urban temperatures and increase biodiversity. The need for intelligent planning that combines new buildings and nature was also emphasized. The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) has already initiated a “package of measures for the future of horticulture” to meet these challenges.
Another point worth discussing was the toll for light commercial vehicles of 3.5 tonnes or more. In addition, the exclusion of the industry from the “List of craft activities” of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) was discussed, which causes confusion. The participants called for an education offensive for horticulture to secure qualified personnel and pointed out that the start of construction for the planned master school in 2028 could potentially represent a step backwards for the industry.
Shortage of skilled workers and digitalization
Vegetable farming in particular is faced with an acute shortage of skilled workers and inadequate producer prices. Ornamental plant businesses are suffering from rising energy prices, while cemetery gardening is in competition with municipal businesses that do not charge sales tax. The annual cancellation of over 30 further training places for master craftsman training demonstrates the urgency of driving forward the digital change in training and better supporting training companies in production horticulture.
Furthermore, the garden shows in Baden-Württemberg, such as the state garden show in Wangen im Allgäu, were highlighted, which attract numerous visitors. The participants called for an adjustment of the funding levels for garden shows from 2037.
The problems facing the horticultural industry illustrate the need for targeted funding programs in Baden-Württemberg. The Parliamentary Evening represented a valuable platform for exchange between entrepreneurs and parliamentarians in order to jointly develop and address solutions for the future of horticulture.