International Day of Plant Health is observed on May 12 with the aim of raising global awareness about how protecting plant health can help end hunger, reduce poverty, protect biodiversity and the environment, and boost economic development.
Plant Biosecurity for Food Security
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 98% of the oxygen we breathe is produced by plants, and they also provide 80% of the food we consume. However, up to 40% of crops are lost each year to pests and diseases, seriously undermining efforts to ensure food security and adequate nutrition for all.
Plant biosecurity functions as a border control and protection system for plants: it enables the inspection, prevention, and response to the introduction and spread of pests and diseases that can damage crops and affect trade. It also acts as a safety net that helps ensure food availability and protect farmers’ livelihoods. Furthermore, it facilitates international trade and helps preserve biodiversity.
Phytosanitary tools, such as international plant health standards applied to trade, support the FAO’s four improvements: better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all, leaving no one behind.
Four key facts about plant health
- Healthy plants are the foundation of agricultural productivity and food security.
Protecting crops ensures stable yields, more resilient agricultural systems, and safe harvests, providing food for everyone. Healthy plants also help maintain healthy ecosystems and protect biodiversity.
- Plant pests are on the rise due to increased trade and travel
Trade and mobility increase the risk of pests accidentally crossing borders. Biosecurity measures, such as international plant health standards, help reduce these risks.
- We share the responsibility of keeping plants healthy to help end world hunger.
Plant health is a shared responsibility. Reporting unusual pests, using certified planting material, and complying with quarantine regulations all contribute to this.
- Plant biosecurity protects crops from pests and diseases before they spread.
Plant biosecurity involves preventing the entry, establishment, and spread of harmful pests. Prevention is far more cost-effective than eradication.
How can we help?
There are some specific, practical steps we can all take to help preserve plant health and, in turn, protect the environment.
- Do not transport plants, vegetables, fruits, tubers, seeds, or soil during your travels, as they may harbor pests and diseases that are not visible.
- Be cautious when buying plants and plant products online. Always verify the origin and check whether the product requires a phytosanitary certificate before shipment.
- Report any suspected plant pests or diseases to the national plant protection organization.
