Embargoed until 13 January 2009
'Home Grown', the industry funded initiative and symbol has been launched this week. HDC is pleased to inform ornamental growers that the symbol is available for downloading on its website www.hdc.org.uk.
HDC Project HNS 160 demonstrated that the utilisation of a 'Home Grown' symbol on locally produced plants, resulted in increased plant sales compared to non-labeled plants. In light of these results, HDC members asked that a standard symbol be developed and made available for their own use. HDC has subsequently worked with the industry and Defras State Aid Unit, to develop guidelines on how best to use and promote the symbol, whilst creating web pages from which to download the artwork.
Bill Godfrey (W. Godfrey & Sons) and Morris May (Planta Vera) have been instrumental in developing the symbol. Bill stated that it had been a "tremendous industry initiative". He went on to thank the hard work of 'Impetus Marketing' and HDC staff for developing the symbol to a useable form. He hopes that HDC members will agree that this has been good use of their levy and will go on to use the symbol effectively in their own businesses.
HDC has subsequently commissioned 'Impetus Marketing' to undertake a national launch of 'Home Grown' to create maximum awareness and impact with plant purchasers and gardeners through the use of one symbol. The benefits of purchasing plants with a 'Home Grown' logo will also be disseminated to the gardening public. This will be achieved through trade shows, press releases, development of a dedicated website and a launch at a gardening show. The bulk of the work will be carried out in the early months of 2009.
ENDS
- Further information on the Home Grown symbol is available from