The United Nations designated tomorrow Friday 12 May the International Day of Plant Health to raise global awareness of how protecting plant health can help end hunger, reduce poverty, protect biodiversity and the environment, and boost economic development.

Plants are life – we depend on them for 80% of the food we eat and 98% of the oxygen we breathe. But international travel and trade has been associated with the introduction and spread of plant pests.

Pests and diseases have also been associated with rising temperatures and climatic changes which create new niches for pests to populate and spread. In response, the use of pesticides could increase, which harms pollinators, natural pest enemies and organisms crucial for a healthy environment.

Protecting plant health is essential. The International Day of Plant Health raises awareness and calls on everyone and take action to keep our plants healthy and help protect the environment and biodiversity.