INSTITUTE OF HORTICULTURE

The Institute of Horticulture, known formally as the Chartered Institute of Horticulture (CIH), is a British professional association dedicated to the field of horticulture. In the United Kingdom, horticulture is not a regulated profession, meaning there is no legal requirement for practitioners to hold specific qualifications or licenses. However, the CIH offers professionals the opportunity to pursue Chartership, allowing them to earn the title of "Chartered Horticulturist," which is a protected designation overseen by the institute. Historically, the Horticultural Education Association, established in 1905, was absorbed into the Institute of Horticulture in 1984, marking a significant consolidation of horticultural professional bodies. The Institute of Horticulture achieved royal charter status on 21 July 2014, formally becoming the Chartered Institute of Horticulture. This charter reflects the institute's recognized standing and its role in promoting professional standards within the horticulture field in the UK. The institute is also referenced alongside other professional associations in the United Kingdom and is related to the Royal Horticultural Society.