From soil health to sales strategy, Farming Connect is offering expert guidance to help commercial horticulture in Wales flourish – and it's inviting growers to find out more at this year’s Royal Welsh Show

Visitors to the Horticulture Hub in the Garden Village (Avenue A) can explore business support, specialist advice, and sector-specific resources designed to help both established and aspiring growers succeed.

“Whether you're an established commercial grower or a new entrant with plans to diversify into fruit, veg, native trees, ornamentals or flowers – you’ll find expert advice, top-class resources and inspiring ideas at the Farming Connect Horticulture Hub - we can provide the support you need to help you succeed,” says Sarah Gould, manager of the Farming Connect horticulture programme.

Sarah and her team will share how Welsh farmers and smallholders can diversify into horticulture as part of a sustainable land management strategy – particularly those already tapping into tourism or accommodation, where adding visitor experiences like ‘pick your own’, Halloween trails or flower workshops can create valuable new income.

In addition to a growing number of sector-specific skills and training options, one of the horticulture programme’s recent successes has been the increase in grower networks. Operating throughout Wales, and with more than 400 members across 19 networks – specialist topics range from flower nurseries to field-scale veg and from pest control to sourcing native trees and growing produce for Welsh public sector buyers – these networks all offer specialist guidance, expert agronomy advice, study visits and practical workshops.

“Grower networks are a great way to share ideas, access technical know-how and develop the confidence to grow, manage and promote your business,” says Sarah.

All registered growers can also access a range of fully funded or subsidised training and support through Farming Connect, including agronomy advice, study visits and practical workshops.

The stand will also feature activities for younger visitors, including mini-microscope bug exploration and a vegetable-themed sandpit game.

Ellen Firth runs Firth Flock Flowers, the thriving business she set up on her family farm near Ruthin in 2022. It grows sustainable, hand-picked blooms for everything from bouquets to weddings.

“Farming Connect gave me the skills and support I needed to grow a successful horticulture business – I couldn’t have done this without them,” she said