International Year of Plant Health 2020 (IYPH 2020)

Plants are the source of the air we breathe and most of the food we eat, yet we often don’t think about keeping them healthy. This can have devastating results. FAO estimates that up to 40% of food crops are lost due to plant pests and diseases annually. This leaves millions of people without enough food to eat and seriously damages agriculture - the primary source of income for rural poor communities in the world.

Plant health is increasingly under threat. Climate change, and human activities, have altered ecosystems, reducing biodiversity and creating new niches where pests can thrive. At the same time, international travel and trade has tripled in volume in the last decade and can quickly spread pests and diseases around the world causing great damage to native plants and the environment.

The United Nations General Assembly declared 2020 as the International Year of Plant Health (IYPH). The year is a once in a lifetime opportunity to raise global awareness on how protecting plant health can help end hunger, reduce poverty, protect the environment, and boost economic development.

• President Higgins launches IYPH 2020 in Phoenix Park
• Meath Chronicle: President Higgins launches IYPH 2020
• Irish Independent: President Higgins plants native oak in Phoenix Park to launch IYPH 2020 in Ireland
• Minister Doyle attends launch event of the International year of Plant Health 2020 at the FAO, Rome
• Belgium to commemorate IYPH 2020 with the minting of a €2 coin.
• DEFRA IYPH 2020 webpage

How can you, your business or community get involved in International Year of Plant Health 2020

Plant health is increasingly under threat. Climate change, and human activities, have altered ecosystems, reducing biodiversity and creating new niches where pests can thrive. At the same time, international travel and trade has tripled in volume in the last decade and can quickly spread pests and diseases around the world causing great damage to native plants and the environment.

The Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine would like to encourage you to become involved in raising the awareness of plant health and the importance of Ireland’s protected zones.

Why not plan an event within your community to spread the word? The UN FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation) has a webpageof ideas for activities and photo competitions that you may also wish to get involved in.

We have provided you below with a promotional poster and email signature for use.

Please check out the attached leaflet and if we can be of further assistance please do not hesitate to contact your local inspector (details on the attached leaflet).

Links & Resources

Contact Us: IYPH2020@agriculture.gov.ie