International Day of Plant Health puts plant biosecurity under the microscope

On the International Day of Plant Health on 12 May we celebrate the depth and diversity of plant science undertaken to protect Australia’s plant health and biosecurity at a special science exchange event at Agriculture House in Canberra, hosted by Australia’s Chief Plant Protection Officer, Dr Gabrielle Vivian-Smith

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator the Hon Murray Watt will give a keynote address highlighting the significance of the day. Dr Bertie Hennecke, Australia’s Chief Environmental Biosecurity Officer, will look at plant health in environmental biosecurity, and the Threatened Species Commissioner, Dr Fiona Fraser, will focus on the actions being taken to protect our threatened species.

May 12 was designated by the United Nations as the International Day of Plant Health in 2022, to help focus attention on the important role plant health plays in our lives.

Across the world, plants are responsible for 80% of the food we eat and 98% of the oxygen we breathe, but pests and diseases destroy up to 40% of food crops every year.

Dr Vivian-Smith said the whole plant health community will be celebrating the importance of plants in our lives.

“This day is an opportunity to showcase our work and raise the profile of plant health,” said Dr Vivian-Smith.

“Our scientists and biosecurity officers are constantly innovating to help protect plant health, integrating new technologies and working out ways we can improve our plant health capabilities.

“One such innovation which will be showcased at our science exchange event is Boston Dynamic’s ‘Spot’ the robotic biosecurity dog which is being piloted to detect biosecurity risk material. 

“Australia’s biosecurity system, that protects our plant health, operates on several levels. Robust science is critical to all of them.”

Dr Vivian-Smith will be announcing the winners of a photo competition designed to celebrate how plants and pollinators benefit our lives and demonstrate the impact of plant pests and diseases on Australia’s unique biodiversity and environment.

Dr Vivian-Smith is inviting anyone with an interest in plant health to hold a morning tea on 12 May to coincide with the international day and post photos on social media under the hashtag #planthealthday.

You can download images of Spot the robotic biosecurity dog.

Fast Facts

• The day raises global awareness on how protecting plant health can help end hunger, reduce poverty, protect biodiversity and the environment, and boost economic development.
• Find out more about the day and program at International Day of Plant Health 2023.