Irish public warned of plant health risks as campaign launches
The Irish public is being warned of plant health risks.
The Plant Health 4 Life campaign, led by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Commission, and supported in Ireland by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, has launched today (Tuesday, May 12).
Now in its fourth and final year, the campaign continues to raise awareness of plant health risks and their direct link to the economy, local communities and food safety across Europe.
Launching on International Day of Plant Health, garden designer and UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Goodwill Ambassador for Ireland, Diarmuid Gavin, said: “We often think of plant health as something distant, but it starts in our own gardens and green spaces.
"The choices we make, what we plant, where we buy from, how we care for our gardens, all have a real impact.
"This campaign is a reminder that small, informed actions by many people can make a big difference for plant health, biodiversity and climate resilience."
Travelling
Holidaymakers are urged not to bring plants, cuttings, fruit or vegetables home when travelling outside the EU, as these may harbour harmful pests or diseases.
Gardeners are encouraged to choose local plant species, reduce reliance on pesticides and check the 'plant passport' on new plants, confirming they are free from harmful pests and disease.
Parents and teachers are also encouraged to raise awareness among children.
Ireland’s chief plant health officer, Louise Byrne has emphasised the importance of public awareness and simple actions.
“Protecting plant health is something everyone can contribute to," she said.
"Simple steps like sourcing plants responsibly, avoiding bringing plants and seeds home from abroad, and staying alert to signs of pests and diseases, can have a significant impact.
"By working together and staying informed, we can help protect Ireland’s environment, food systems and biodiversity."
This final year of the campaign builds on growing awareness across Europe, with 33 countries now involved, and a "renewed focus on turning knowledge into action - empowering individuals, families, gardeners and travellers to play their part".
Plant health awareness
Sylvain Giraud, head of the plant health unit at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety, said the campaign is "built on a key principle: awareness empowers action".
"In this final year, the campaign reinforces how protecting plant health means safeguarding our food, our environment and our future," Giraud said.
"By engaging citizens across Europe, the campaign has laid strong foundations that will continue to support efforts to protect plants well beyond the campaign itself."
Tobin Robinson, head of the environment, plants and ecotoxicology unit at EFSA, added that the campaign makes plant health "accessible and relevant".
"By travelling responsibly, shopping responsibly, and educating the next generation, we can all be part of the solution."
New plant health strategy
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon has recently launched the new Plant Health and Biosecurity Strategy for 2026-2030.
The strategy was launched at an event at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine's Backweston laboratories in Co. Kildare.
That event heard that the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation estimates that up to 40% of food crops are lost every year because of plant pests.
