Lecture: Peat-free cultivation in practice: how we changed the technology – mistakes, decisions, conclusions (PRODUCTION BLOCK) 

BIO: Jonathan Marquis is a highly experienced nurseryman and grower with over 35 years in the horticultural industry. He currently serves on the HTA (Horticultural Trades Association) Ornamental Plants Committee and was a key member of the HTA Peat Task Force, established to represent UK growers and liaise with policymakers to ensure a smooth transition to peat-free growing media.

As a Director of Newey Ltd, one of the UK’s largest ornamental plant producers, Jonathan oversees the propagation and production of more than three million hardy nursery stock (HNS) species each year.

He also represents Newey’s interests at Desafio Jasmin, the company’s Portuguese nursery, where he collaborates with partners Vitroflora and Tomasz Michalik to enhance production efficiency and operational techniques, including the transition to peat-free cultivation.

Jonathan’s extensive experience and leadership continue to influence the development of sustainable practices across the UK ornamental horticulture sector.