2020 – International Year of Plant Health

The world population is continuously increasing and ensuring its food supply is a vital global issue, to the resolution of which plant protection activities contribute to a significant extent. According to forecasts of the World Health Organization, by 2050 it will be necessary to double the production of food, feed and products of plant origin. This is possible only through the protection of plants and plant production from diseases, pests and weeds.

Today, the main challenge to plant health worldwide is the large number of outbreaks of new, unknown harmful organisms and those that in the past were not considered important. Global climate change and the increase in trade routes create conditions for the introduction of pests, which necessitates regular study and analysis of existing phytosanitary risks, the application of new models and innovative solutions with the aim of undertaking effective actions for the protection of agricultural produce, forests and parks.

In addition to chemical and biological control in the implementation of plant protection measures, FAO emphasizes the role of integrated pest management.