#PlantHealth4Life – Plant health

Healthy plants are essential for humans and animals. They produce oxygen, form the basis for the majority of our diet and contribute to a functioning ecosystem and biodiversity.

As globalisation advances and the international movement of people and goods increases, the hazard of introducing harmful organisms has increased significantly. These organisms can attack plants and cause extensive damage. The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) estimates that up to 40% of the global crop production is lost to pests every year. For example, the plant bacterium Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) has destroyed millions of olive trees in Italy.

For this reason, the European Commission, together with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSAshort forEuropean Food Safety Authority) and the Member States of the European Union (EU), has launched a joint campaign to better protect plants. The campaign, #PlantHealth4Life, focuses primarily on raising awareness about plant health among various social groups.

To increase the visibility of #PlantHealth4Life, EFSAshort forEuropean Food Safety Authority is making its visual material publicly available on the campaign page. The short video clips and graphics can be downloaded and shared on your own social media channels or websites. This External Link:link will take you to the #PlantHealth4Life campaign page.

In Germany, the External Link:Julius Kühn- Institut is researching ways to further develop plant protection.