International Day of Plant Health - MAY 12TH, 2024

Environment

International Day of Plant Health 2024: Plant health, safe trade and digital technology .Each year, over 240 million containers move between countries, carrying goods including plant products, posing biosecurity risks. In addition, about 80 percent of international trade consignments include wood packaging material, providing a pathway for pest transmission. As a result, damages from invasive pest species incur global economic losses of approximately USD 220 billion annually. Protecting plant health across borders is essential by promoting global collaboration and international standards, such as the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs). Innovative solutions like electronic phytosanitary certification (ePhyto) streamline the process, making trade quicker and more secure. The International Day of Plant Health 2024 calls on everyone to raise awareness and take action to keep our plants healthy and ensure food safety and safe trade for sustainable economies and livelihoods.


      Biosecurity Risks in Trade: With millions of containers moving globally each year, there's a substantial risk of spreading invasive pests through plant products and wood packaging materials.

      Economic Impact: Invasive pest species cause about USD 220 billion in annual global economic losses, underscoring the urgency of safeguarding plant health in international trade.

      Call to Action: The International Day of Plant Health 2024 urges global awareness and collaborative efforts to ensure plant health, food safety, and sustainable economies through initiatives like electronic phytosanitary certification (ePhyto) and adherence to international standards.

 

     


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