A MAJOR new agreement committing nature charities, trade bodies and the government to improving public engagement with plant health has been announced.
The Public Engagement in Plant Health "kickstarts a national conversation" around biosecurity and promotes actions people can take to protect trees.
A total of 29 organisations are set to sign the accord, including Defra, Confor, the Royal Horticultural Society, National Farmers Union, National Trust, Tree Council and Horticultural Trades Association – amounting to a membership of more than seven million across the country.
READ MORE: Pine Processionary Moth: Ban on imports of pine and cedar after pest discovered in UK
The signatories will work together to raise public awareness of plant health, which is at threat in the UK from a number of pests and diseases, such as Phytophthora Pluvialis and newly arrived Pine Processionary Moth.
The joint campaign will encourage plant lovers not to bring to bring home plants, trees, fruit and seeds from overseas, as doing so could inadvertently bring pests, diseases and invasive species into the UK, alongside an awareness campaign which will educate the public to buy plants, trees and seeds from responsible suppliers, and ensure everyone knows how to report sightings of pests and diseases.
Lord Benyon, Minister for Biosecurity, said: “This accord will change the face of plant biosecurity in this country, with leading organisations from across society setting out a long-term shared vision for public engagement, awareness raising and behavioural change.
“Safeguarding the health of our plants and trees will require people, the government and partners to work together as we strive to deliver on our ambitious tree planting targets and leave the environment in a better state than we found it, as outlined in our 25 Year Environment Plan.”
Sarah Lom, CEO, The Tree Council, said: “We need everyone in Britain to become a tree health hero and take action to protect our trees and other plants.
"By making the right choices, we can ensure a healthy future for trees, from growing and nurturing, to protecting them from pests and diseases.
"The Tree Council is delighted to be a partner in this important Accord. The health of trees and plants affects everyone and so it is essential we work together if we are to safeguard the future.”
The 29 organisations which have signed the Accord will work closely to share best practice and research findings to ensure future plant health interventions are evidence-led and encourage behavioural change. They will also collaborate to develop new and innovative partnerships which will maximise the health and wellbeing benefits of our plants and trees.
The Public Engagement in Plant Health Accord has been announced on the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s stand at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022. The theme of the stand this year is the long-running ‘Don’t Risk It!’ campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the risks of moving plants and associated pests through international travel.
READ MORE: Phytophthora Pluvialis now confirmed in every part of mainland Britain after Welsh find
Today’s announcement also comes ahead of the publication in summer this year of the new GB Plant Biosecurity Strategy, which will set out a biosecurity vision for the UK for the next five years.
Building upon work achieved under the existing strategy published in 2014, the Strategy aims to deliver a step change in our plant health protections, actions and behaviours. The Public Engagement in Plant Health Accord will be published in full as part of this Strategy.
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