A chance to hear how a systems-based approach can complement statutory measures
and help to minimise the risks of introducing and spreading damaging pests and
diseases of trees and plants. The Plant Health Management Standard was developed - and is regularly reviewed - independently and forms the basis of the Plant Healthy Certification Scheme, for growers, retailers, landscapers, arborists and large public and private gardens.
Malcolm Catlin has worked in horticulture for the last 33 years, including running a mail order plant business, in commercial and technical roles for suppliers of plants to multiple and online retailers and, for the last 8 years, as a consultant providing support on product sourcing and selection, compliance standards, sustainability reporting and plant health.
He took on the role of Project Director of Plant Healthy in May 2024 and his main focus has been on producing and implementing a new business plan for the next 5 years. The key elements of this include growing the depth and breadth of biosecurity certification across the various sectors; improving accessibility of the Plant Healthy Scheme to businesses of all sizes; aligning with other certification schemes to further improve uptake, include outside of GB; promoting the scheme and other good biosecurity practices, including to the wider public; and working with others to develop financial and non-financial incentives for the certification of good biosecurity practice.
He is the current Chair of the Eastern Branch of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture and a Fellow of the Linnean Society.
Free to members, £5 for non-members.
