• WSGA •
About Us
What is the WSGA?
The West Sussex Growers’ Association is an active network of over 50 members based in and around Chichester. At our core are growers producing an incredible variety of plants and fresh produce — from ornamental plants, shrubs, and trees to vegetables, herbs, soft fruit, tomatoes, and peppers.
We know that thriving horticulture relies on a strong local ecosystem, which is why our membership also includes consultants, colleges, specialist transport providers, and suppliers of vital inputs like growing media, crop protection and beneficial insects.
Together, we share knowledge, collaborate closely and champion the growth and success of horticulture in West Sussex.
Our Voices are Stronger Together
The WSGA is a specialist horticultural branch of the National Farmers’ Union and has a long history of working alongside this unique institution that successfully lobbies on a wide range of rural issues.
We are fortunate enough to have Martin Emmett, Chair of the NFU Horticulture and Potatoes Board as a long-standing member of the WSGA Executive representing Tristram Plants.
The WSGA works for the benefit of its members and the sector on key issues, whilst also being able to support individual members on specific needs.
The WSGA Exec meets bi-monthly throughout the year at various member sites and we openly encourage all members to attend these meetings and add value to our work as an association.
We focus our work under three main pillars
National and Local government
Jess Brown-Fuller MP visiting WSGA grower, Newey on 2nd May 2025
National and Local government
Engaging proactively with our local MP’s and colleagues in both county and district councils, to promote understanding of key horticultural challenges
Education
Careers leaders from local secondary schools visiting Vitacress on 6th May 2025
Education
Delivering gold-standard careers provision engaging with 12 secondary schools through horticulture-themed assemblies reaching over 5000 students in 2024/25 academic year and over 3000 in 2023/24.
Horticulture Community
Baroness Minette Batters addressing the WSGA Conference, Nov 2023
Horticulture Community
Strengthening the horticulture community through meetings, communications such as our monthly newsletter and events such as our Centenary Dinner, Autumn Conferences and other networking opportunities.
What We Do Best
VERY GOOD VEG
Horticulture ensures that sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Our members’ commitment to eco-friendly farming ensures that fresh, high-quality vegetables are grown with care for both the environment and future generations.
Lettuce, peppers, herbs, courgettes, chillies, asparagus, sweetcorn – the list is endless of the range grown here on our doorstep in West Sussex in both open field and glasshouse settings
FABULOUS FRUIT
Growing the best quality, freshest and flavourful fruit is the priority of our growers, which is performed in an environment of continuous improvement using the latest technology to maximise yields and efficiencies, whilst using integrated pest management and beneficial insects to work in harmony with our environment
The sweetest strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and tomatoes grow under glass and polytunnels in West Sussex. Two of our growers now grow UK strawberries for 12 months of the year
OUTSTANDING ORNAMENTALS
West Sussex is renowned for its thriving ornamental industry, with our growers cultivating a wide variety of plants. As with fruit and vegetable production, sustainability is woven into every step of our process, from reducing chemical use and harvesting rainwater from our glasshouse rooves. Our members’ responsible approach ensures that ornamental plants continue to beautify landscapes while preserving the planet for future generations.
Flowering plants, shrubs, trees and houseplants are just some of the variety of ornamental plants grown by members across West Sussex
