As summer approaches and the increasing number of international trips rise, so do the risks associated with transporting plants, seeds and other plant products between countries, facilitating the spread of pests and diseases with an impact on agriculture, biodiversity and food security. Long before they reach the table, food depends on the health of plants. It is this starting point that underpins agricultural production, ensures the availability of food, and safeguards the balance of ecosystems. Without healthy plants, the existence of safe and sustainable food systems is compromised.
Currently, up to 40% of agricultural crops are lost annually due to these threats, compromising food production, agricultural economy and the stability of ecosystems. Factors such as the intensification of international trade, climate change and increasing global mobility have been accelerating the spread of these organisms and the risk of their entry into new territories.
As World Food Safety Day is marked on June 7, the Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary (DGAV), in collaboration with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), reiterates, in a statement, the importance of a cross-cutting approach to food safety, highlighting plant health as an essential element to protect agriculture, biodiversity and ecosystems.
According to the same source, plant health is one of the pillars of food security, being directly related to the quality and availability of food, the sustainability of agricultural production and environmental preservation. In this context, prevention and awareness of the risks associated with the spread of plant pests and diseases are taking on increasing importance.
Often without awareness of their impact, small gestures that appear harmless, such as bringing plants or other natural items in luggage, can introduce harmful organisms with an impact on agriculture and the environment.
To minimize these risks, it is essential to adopt practices, such as not transporting plants, seeds or plant products between countries without proper certification; buying plants only from authorized suppliers; and being alert for signs of pests or diseases in gardens, allotments or agricultural spaces.
“Many times we are not aware that a simple gesture during a trip can facilitate the introduction of pests with impact on agriculture, biodiversity and the availability of food. Prevention begins through informed choices and responsible behaviours, which help protect ecosystems and the sustainability of agricultural production,” says Ana Paula Cruz Garcia, Deputy Director-General of the DGAV.
Awareness of these risks also forms part of the European campaign #PlantHealth4Life, promoted by EFSA and the European Commission, which seeks to bring the issue of plant health closer to the daily lives of citizens and encourage more conscious and responsible behaviours.
