International Day of Plant Health 2026: Protecting our food security

International Day of Plant Health (IDPH) is a United Nations‑recognised observance held annually on 12 May. It raises global awareness of the vital role plant health plays in food security, livelihoods, environmental protection and sustainable economic growth.

Each year, IDPH highlights a theme reflecting emerging global challenges. The 2026 theme, Plant biosecurity for food security, recognises the essential role biosecurity plays in protecting crops from pests and diseases and supporting a zero-hunger world.

In this context, plant biosecurity focuses on preventing the entry, establishment and spread of harmful pests and diseases. Prevention is far more effective and cost-efficient than responding after a pest has spread or established, particularly in an increasingly interconnected world. Healthy plants underpin agricultural productivity, contributing to stable yields, resilient farming systems and reliable harvests, while also supporting ecosystems and biodiversity.

Global trade and travel continue to increase the risk of pests moving across borders. Each year, hundreds of millions of sea containers and billions of parcels move through international supply chains, alongside plant products and wood packaging materials that can carry pests, soil or organic matter.

Estimates suggest that up to 40 per cent of global crop production is lost annually to pests and diseases, with economic impacts exceeding USD 220 billion. With agricultural production expected to increase significantly by 2050 to meet global demand, protecting plant health is critical.

For Australia, a major agricultural producer and exporter, effective plant biosecurity is essential to protecting our food supply and valuable agriculture industry, maintaining market access for growers and safeguarding the natural environment. Australia’s strong trade links, combined with increasing global movement of goods and people, mean preventing exotic pests and diseases before they establish remains a cornerstone of the national biosecurity system.

Protecting plant health relies on shared responsibility for shared benefits. Governments, industry, researchers, growers and the broader community all have a role to play. Simple actions, such as avoiding the movement of plants, seeds, fruit and soil when travelling, purchasing plants from reputable sources, and reporting unusual pests or symptoms early, can make a meaningful difference.

Plant Health Australia works with governments, industry and community stakeholders to strengthen Australia’s plant biosecurity system through coordination, preparedness, surveillance and response arrangements.

International Day of Plant Health is an opportunity to recognise small everyday actions play an important role in protecting plant health and supporting food security.

For more information, visit the official International Day of Plant Health website: https://www.fao.org/plant-health-day/en