The Institute of Horticulture (IoH) is to host its annual conference on 8 October.

Hedon Salads MD Tom Salmon, Landex chairman Paul Hannan and IoH president Sue Minter will speak at the event at the Chelsea Physic Garden. Its curator Chris Bailes will also address delegates.

Minter said: "If Horticulture is to remain at the heart of so many of the big issues we face today, we must make sure that policy makers at all levels need to understand the importance or ensuring that today’s youth are aware of the unbelievable range of employment opportunities and have access to both the necessary education and direct training needed to take advantage of those opportunities. If we do not nurture today’s youth, there will be serious consequences for the industry tomorrow."