Irish public warned of plant health risks as EU campaign launches

The #PlantHealth4Life campaign, led by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Commission (EC), and supported in Ireland by the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, has launched today (12 May), warning the public that everyday actions — from bringing plants home from holidays to buying online — could put plant health, food supply and biodiversity at risk.
Now in its fourth and final year, the campaign continues to raise awareness of plant health risks and their direct link to the economy, local communities and food safety across Europe.
Launching on International Day of Plant Health (12 May), garden designer and UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Goodwill Ambassador for Ireland, Diarmuid Gavin, said: "We often think of plant health as something distant, but it starts in our own gardens and green spaces. The choices we make, what we plant, where we buy from, how we care for our gardens, all have a real impact. This campaign is a reminder that small, informed actions by many people can make a big difference for plant health, biodiversity and climate resilience."
Be aware of plant health risks
Holidaymakers are urged not to bring plants, cuttings, fruit or vegetables home when travelling outside the EU, as these may harbour harmful pests or diseases. Gardeners are encouraged to choose local plant species, reduce reliance on pesticides and check the "plant passport" on new plants, confirming they are free from harmful pests and disease. Parents and teachers are also encouraged to raise awareness of plant health among children. Full details are available at efsa.europa.eu/en/plh4l, with resources including social media posts, top tips and videos.
Ireland's Chief Plant Health Officer, Ms Louise Byrne, emphasised the importance of public awareness and simple actions: "Protecting plant health is something everyone can contribute to. Simple steps like sourcing plants responsibly, avoiding bringing plants and seeds home from abroad, and staying alert to signs of pests and diseases, can have a significant impact. By working together and staying informed, we can help protect Ireland's environment, food systems and biodiversity."
This final year builds on growing awareness across Europe, with 33 countries now involved, and a renewed focus on turning knowledge into action — empowering individuals, families, gardeners and travellers to play their part.
Sylvain Giraud, Head of the Plant Health Unit at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety, said: "Plant Health 4 Life is built on a key principle: awareness empowers action. In this final year, the campaign reinforces how protecting plant health means safeguarding our food, our environment and our future. By engaging citizens across Europe, the campaign has laid strong foundations that will continue to support efforts to protect plants well beyond the campaign itself."
Tobin Robinson, Head of the Environment, Plants and Ecotoxicology Unit at EFSA, added: "Science helps us understand the risks to plant health, but that's not enough: we need Europeans to connect that knowledge to their daily lives. Plant Health 4 Life makes plant health accessible and relevant. By travelling responsibly, shopping responsibly, and educating the next generation, we can all be part of the solution."
As Cyprus holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Anthemis Melifronidou, Chief Officer for Plant Health of Cyprus, said: "Hosting the launch of the campaign during the Cyprus Presidency, together with Chief Officers for Plant Health from across Europe, highlights how plant health is a shared European responsibility. Simple actions by citizens, supported by strong cooperation across countries, help protect our plants and our future."
Visit www.efsa.europa.eu/en/plh4l to discover how to safeguard plant health.
About the campaign
#PlantHealth4Life is a multi-year campaign developed at the request of the European Commission. It is base...