Plants are the cornerstone of life on Earth. They make up 80 per cent of our diet, purify the air we breathe and combat climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide. Beyond their fundamental contributions to our survival, healthy plants form the backbone of biodiversity and ecosystem stability by providing essential habitats and food for wildlife. Protecting plants is not just about preserving the natural world; it’s about safeguarding our future.
Maintaining plant health is a shared responsibility, crucial for the wellbeing of our planet and ourselves. Recognising this, Ireland has aligned with the European-wide #PlantHealth4Life campaign in 2024, led by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Commission, which spans 22 member states. This initiative emphasises the critical importance of plant health and aligns with Ireland’s Plant Health and Biosecurity Strategy 2020-2025. This strategy sets out the importance of plant health and biosecurity for Ireland and identifies the key role of stakeholders in this regard.
Speaking about the campaign, Senator Pippa Hackett, Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity with special responsibility for Horticulture at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine said: “We are proud to stand alongside our European partners to raise awareness of the profound interdependence between plant health and our collective wellbeing. This collaborative effort is a unique opportunity to engage citizens from all walks of life – be it the intrepid traveller, the conscientious gardener, or the vigilant parent – in safeguarding plant health.”
Ms Louise Byrne, chief plant health officer for Ireland, added that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine conducts comprehensive inspections on imports of regulated plants and plant products. Importantly, however, a critical element is educating the public across all spectra, from commercial importers to amateur gardeners on the need for heightened awareness of the issues at stake and to not attempt to import unchecked plants and plant products that pose a risk to Ireland.
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To protect our ecosystems and food security, every individual can take simple yet impactful actions:
Travel wisely
- Avoid bringing plants home from abroad When travelling abroad, refrain from bringing any plants, seeds, or plant products home into the EU, as they could harbour pests that threaten our local plant health.
- Check requirements before travelling Before heading on holiday, ensure you understand the regulations regarding plants and plant products in your destination. Even seemingly harmless items like an apple could carry pests.
Practice responsible gardening
- Choose suitable plants Select plants that are well-suited to your garden’s conditions to minimise stress and ensure they thrive naturally.
- Regular pest control Vigilantly monitor your garden for pests and diseases. Utilise resources like the EPPO database to identify and manage them effectively.
- Insist on plant health certificates When buying plants online from outside the EU, request a plant health certificate (phytosanitary certificate) to confirm they are pest-free.
- Check plant origins When exchanging plants and seeds with fellow gardeners, inquire about their origin. For plants from outside the EU, ensure they are certified.
- Look for plant passports When buying plants from a shop or garden centre, check for plant passports, which certify that the plants are free from pests and diseases.
Pest management
- Integrated pest management (IPM) Adopt IPM strategies to manage pests sustainably, reducing reliance on harmful pesticides and promoting a balanced ecosystem.
Educate the next generation
- Empower children Teach children about the importance of plant health and the environment, making them aware of the role they can play in preserving our planet. Sharing interesting facts – you can find some fun ones here – about plants can spark their interest and foster a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship.
Speaking on the #PlantHealth4Life campaign, Tobin Robinson, head of EFSA’s Plants Unit added: “Plant health impacts not only the environment, the economy, and the European food chain but also our present and our future – by keeping plants healthy, we are protecting life. It is therefore a source of pride to see how Europeans are engaged in the topic, as demonstrated by the unprecedented participation of member states in the #PlantHealth4Life campaign.”
Claire Bury, deputy director general for food sustainability of DG Sante stated: “Informed European citizens armed with accurate information on plant health can help protect and preserve our biodiversity. Plant health is a priority for the European Commission within the One Health approach. By informing people about the importance of not importing pests into the European Union and empowering them with the knowledge to take appropriate actions, we can make a difference.”
By joining the #PlantHealth4Life campaign, everyone can contribute to the protection of plant health and, by extension, our collective wellbeing. Protecting plants means protecting life, and together, we can ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
To become a plant health ambassador and access more resources, visit efsa.europa.eu