The International Day of Plant Health, celebrated on May 12th, has been evolved by many plant health institutions into Plant Health Week. The United Nations designated May 12th as the International Day of Plant Health (IDPH) to raise global awareness about how protecting plant health can help end hunger, reduce poverty, protect biodiversity and the environment, and boost economic development. The Day represents a significant legacy of the International Year of Plant Health 2020.

IDPH 2024 urges everyone to raise awareness and take action to maintain the health of our plants, ensuring food safety and facilitating safe trade for sustainable economies and livelihoods. The Plant Health Western Balkans project is participating in this global initiative, encouraging partners in the Western Balkans to emphasize the importance of phytosanitary measures as crucial preventive steps against the introduction and spread of new plant pests and diseases on their websites and social media profiles.

During the main event, the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) emphasized that without healthy plants, there cannot be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. He stated, “By prioritizing plant health, we can contribute to the Four Betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life – leaving no one behind.” FAO collaborates closely with the International Plant Protection Convention, utilizing innovation and technology to assist countries in protecting plants, safeguarding food security, preserving the environment, and promoting safe trade.

The ePhyto Solution, adopted by over 120 countries, facilitates faster, safer, and more efficient international trade of agricultural products with electronic phytosanitary certificates.

Plant Health Week is an annually designated week of action, occurring from May 6th to 14th, aimed at raising public awareness and engagement on how to maintain the health of our plants.

Communicating on plant pests is crucial to raise awareness of the public as well as plant health professionals.  You are invited to discover the dedicated EPPO Platform on Communication Material and further communicate using #PlantHealthDay and #PlantHealthWeek.

Video : Plant health is key to the sustainable development of agriculture required to feed a growing global population by 2050.