OPENING ADDRESS

The importance of this symposium is shown by the striking increase in the demand for ornamental plants all over the world.

People are showing a growing interest in pleasant surroundings at home and at work and they have an increased appreciation of the benefit of landscaping and amenity horticulture. More and more people are spending leisure time in parks and public gardens as well as in the growing number of private gardens now open to the public. As a result nursery stock is much in demand and has become an important article of international commerce. Science has come forward with new information and techniques for the production of suitable plants and these advances are gradually being incorporated into the industry.

The Irish nursery stock industry, although still small at some 130 hectares, is expanding steadily. Our unique climatic and soil advantages are beginning to be realised and we have a most valuable resource in our peat - a basic material for the growth of many plants. The industry also has a high employment content, requiring highly skilled operatives. Our capacity to identify the needs of the market place will be a key factor in the future progress of the industry. It is vital that we use the most modern scientific knowledge available in order to realise our full potential in this area of horticulture. From this point of view, this international meeting could play a vital role through the exchange of information and experiences.

Dr. T. Walsh,
Director,
Agricultural Research Institute