The United Nations has declared 2020 as the International Year of Plant Health. They are calling on people, organizations, industries, scientists, and governments to work together to protect plants against the introduction and spread of invasive pests. The U.S. National Plant Protection Organization—the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Plant Protection and Quarantine—is leading the effort in the United States.

“At USDA, we do all we can for our farmers, ranchers, foresters, and producers so that they can continue to feed and clothe this nation and the world,” said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, Greg Ibach. “That’s why we’re urging everyone to take this issue seriously and to do their part. Protecting plants from pests and diseases is far more cost effective than the alternative.”

According to the United Nations, invasive pests destroy up to 40% of the world's food crops and cause $220 billion in trade losses each year. That leaves millions of people worldwide without enough food to eat and seriously damages agriculture—the primary source of income for rural communities.

According to USDA, everyone can help avoid the devastating impact of pests and diseases on agriculture, livelihoods, and food security. Here are steps to take:

To learn more about the International Year of Plant Health and how you can help stop destructive invasive plant pests, visit  www.aphis.usda.gov/planthealth/2020.

Source: USDA, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.