Help us to protect our crops and beautiful countryside against
plant pests and diseases

 

Plants can get sick too!

Just like humans and animals, plants can get sick too. They can suffer from diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi and be attacked by pests, big and small, such as insects, mites or nematodes. Recently, we have seen an increase in the number of new pests and diseases being introduced into areas which were previously free of them. Many of these recent introductions can be related to the rapidly increasing levels of international trade and travel.

 

 

Introduction of new plant pests and diseases can threaten both the economy and biodiversity

Pests and diseases can hitch a ride on plants, seeds, flowers, fruit and vegetables, even if they look healthy, and on soil clinging to roots.  In this way, when we move plants between different parts of the world, we can inadvertently introduce new pests and diseases into our countries. Once introduced into a new environment, some of these alien pests and diseases can cause severe economic losses to agriculture and forestry, and threaten biodiversity. In the past, this phenomenon was exemplified with the introduction into the Euro-Mediterranean region of potato late blight, grapevine phylloxera, Colorado beetle, and Dutch elm disease.

 

 

National and international rules are in place

Plant health laws are in place to protect agriculture, forestry and the environment. Therefore, many plants and plant products (e.g. seeds, vegetables, cut flowers) are not allowed to be transported without official authorization. If you intend to transport plants, make sure that you are not infringing these laws by contacting your national plant health authorities beforehand.

 

 

How you can help

  • Never ever illegally bring home plants, seeds, flowers, fruit and vegetables.
  • If you do wish to import plants into your country, contact your local Plant Health authorities to find out what you can do legally.
  • If you are carrying any plants, seeds, flowers, fruit and vegetables, declare them to the Customs official.