Pinto will be taking part in a panel discussion at the Four Oaks Trade Show on 2 September — Climate change: The impact on nursery production (2.45-3.45pm), chaired by HortWeek editor Matthew Appleby and featuring industry experts also including the ANVE’s Luigi Pagliani. Sponsored by ANVE.
What is your role in the Italian nursery stock sector?
“My roles within the Italian nursery stock sector are varied, but they are all driven by the same passion and the desire to promote and grow our excellence. I was born and raised in Abruzzo and have been leading my family business for many years, a company founded in 1929.
“Approaching our first century of activity fills me with great pride, but also with a strong sense of responsibility to continue consolidating and developing what has been built over time.
“The same sense of responsibility and belonging guides my commitment to ANVE [Italian National Nursery Stock Exporters Association], where I took on the role of president at the end of May. This year, ANVE celebrates its 20th anniversary and remains the only association in Italy representing producers across the entire country.
“Its mission is to foster connections and give a voice to a sector that I consider truly outstanding, despite the challenges and the level of commitment it requires. There would be much more to say, but I would rather leave space for the next questions — and perhaps continue the conversation in person at Four Oaks.”
Could you briefly outline your primary objectives for expanding partnerships in the UK market at Four Oaks?
“The UK has always been one of the most important markets for Italian ornamental plants. Our objective is not simply to increase exports, but to build long-term partnerships based on trust, quality and professional cooperation.
“One of Italy's greatest strengths is the extraordinary diversity of its nursery production. Our country stretches for almost 1,500km from north to south, creating a wide range of climatic conditions. In addition, Italian nursery production has developed through highly specialised production districts, each with its own expertise, traditions and plant specialisations.
“This unique combination allows Italian nurseries to offer one of the widest ranges of ornamental plants available in Europe, while maintaining high-quality standards and responding effectively to the evolving needs of the market.
“Four Oaks is an excellent opportunity to strengthen relationships with existing customers, meet new partners and exchange ideas on how our sector can respond together to the challenges of climate change.”
How do you anticipate the upcoming UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement will improve trade conditions, reduce plant health border friction and streamline the import of high-quality nursery stock into Great Britain?
“In recent years, Italian nurseries have experienced significant difficulties at the UK border. Lengthy inspections, administrative complexity and inconsistent procedures have often made it difficult for plants to enter Great Britain. We believe the new SPS agreement is an opportunity to change this approach.
“Climate change does not recognise political borders, and plant health should be managed with the same philosophy. The purpose of phytosanitary controls should not be to slow down the movement of healthy plants, but to prevent the movement of pests and diseases. That means ensuring the highest phytosanitary standards at the point of production and before plants leave the nursery.
“This is exactly what Italian growers and the Italian plant health authorities are working towards every day — producing healthy, fully traceable plants that meet the highest European standards. If these principles are recognised and applied consistently, trade will become faster, more efficient and more transparent, while maintaining the highest level of biosecurity for everyone.”
