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<p>Coronavirus represents a very significant challenge, affecting daily life and every
part of the economy, including the ornamental horticulture sector. A vibrant and successful
ornamental horticulture sector brings significant benefits. The Government continues
to work closely with representatives from the horticulture supply chain including
the Horticultural Trades Association to understand the short-term and long-term impacts
on the UK sector.</p><p>Defra has already been in close discussion with banks to ensure
the ornamental horticulture sector has access to financial support. This will ease
cashflow problems during this period, including through the Government-backed Coronavirus
Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) and the Bounce Back Loan scheme, which was
announced on 27 April and is the latest step in a package of support measures announced
by the Chancellor. The Government will provide lenders with a 100% guarantee on each
loan, to give lenders the confidence they need to support small businesses. These
loans will be from £2,000 up to £50,000, capped at 25% of firms' turnover, and the
Government will cover the first 12 months of interest payments and fees charged to
the business by the lender. Almost all UK businesses will be eligible to apply for
a loan under the scheme.</p><p>On 13 May, the Government announced that all garden
centres in England which are able to adhere to social distancing measures were legally
able to reopen. This measure has been widely welcomed by growers, garden centre owners,
and consumers.</p><p><ins class="ministerial">While the Government has made a wide-ranging
package of measures available to ornamental horticulture businesses to support them
through this difficult period, we continue to keep the situation under review. Legal
powers were included in the Coronavirus Act 2020 enabling us to offer further financial
support if we believe it is necessary. </ins></p>
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