The Society of Chemical Industry’s (SCI) new Horticulture Group is launching a series of regional horticulture roadshows aimed at local businesses, academics, students and individual horticulture professionals.

Lackham College in Wiltshire will be the first venue to host the day event on June 5, which will include a demonstration with John Dixon, who currently heads the bio-diesel project at the college, on how biofuels are produced and used to power college vehicles. This will be followed by a tour of the college gardens, and an opportunity for attendees to network and meet other local contacts in the area.

Mike Hall, interim chairman of the group said: “SCI launched its Horticulture Group late last year and already has a growing membership, particularly among professional horticulturalists; attracted by the opportunity to share and exchange ideas across a wide, and established network of contacts spanning education, science, business and professional support. We now want to go one step further and take the group to the wider community to establish local and regional connections.”

Further roadshows will be held at Duchy College in Cornwall on June 18, Sparsholt College on October 8, Welsh College of Horticulture on October 23 - in conjunction with their Annual Sustainability Conference, and the final will be held at Reading University on November 6.

SCI chief executive, Andrew Ladds, said: “There is a misconception that SCI is about chemicals - we want to change that.

“SCI represents a broad range of sectors, being home to 24 special interest groups including the environment, agriculture, bio-resources and business - all areas that overlap with horticulture. This means that we can offer potential members instant access to a wealth of knowledge from not just one source but many, giving SCI a broad insight into news and developments in the sector whether it is in amenities, the commercial sector or research, enabling it to better guide members on emerging markets.”

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