There’s only been one word on everyone’s lips this week, and for once it isn’t Tesco.

Collaboration is the name of the game, and now, more than ever, there are calls for the industry to come together as one to overcome the many obstacles facing suppliers.

Over the last few years the DEFRA-funded HortLINK projects have brought many breakthroughs for growers. It will be missed, and it’s not surprising that there’s palpable concern in the industry about what is going to fill the void.

We all know there isn’t going to be any additional cash in government coffers any time soon, so it’s up to the industry to find the money to fund these essential projects.

Among the wide range of challenges needing solutions are the environment, climate change and biodiversity. The topics are varied and complicated, and that’s why we’ve dedicated this special ‘green issue’ to examining some of the most pressing concerns around the subject.

Our special report on biodiversity (p20-21) looks at how the footprinting debate has moved on, while features on green packaging and the development of LEAF examine key topics central to the environment. Solving environmental challenges, like those relating to research and profitability, will also require joined-up thinking and a team approach.