The role of plants

Plants play a vital role in our environment, ensuring food security, and paving the way for a sustainable future.

By taking action to keep them healthy, we can protect ourselves, our communities, and the environment.

Plants are the backbone of life on Earth. They provide us with the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the materials we use for shelter and clothing. Here are some key reasons why plants are essential:

• Oxygen: Through the process of photosynthesis, plants release oxygen into the atmosphere, supporting the respiration of all living organisms, including humans.
• Food and nutrition: Plants are a primary source of food. They provide us with a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts, which are essential for a balanced diet.
• Biodiversity and ecosystem stability: Plants form the foundation of ecosystems, providing habitats for countless organisms, supporting biodiversity.
• Climate regulation: : Plants play a significant role in mitigating climate change. They absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to reduce global warming.
• Soil conservation: Plant roots help bind the soil, preventing erosion and maintaining soil fertility.

The world food supply depends on healthy plants.

• Feeding the world: Plants provide us with essential nutrients and calories that we need to survive. By promoting plant health and preventing the spread of pests and diseases, we can safeguard crop yields and ensure food security for all.
• Economic stability: Healthy plants contribute to a robust agricultural sector, creating employment opportunities and supporting local economies.

We all have a role to play in keeping plants healthy. By taking simple steps, we can safeguard plant health, promote sustainable practices, and secure a prosperous future. Here are some actions you can take:

• Travel responsibly: When traveling outside the EU, don’t bring back plants, flowers, seeds, fruits, or vegetables. These items can harbour pests that may pose a threat to plants in the EU.
• Shop responsibly: When purchasing plants and seeds online make sure they come with a plant health certificate if they originate from outside the EU. This certification shows that the plants you are buying have been checked and are free from pests and diseases.
• Educate the next generation: Engage in conversations about the importance of plants with children. By teaching them about plant health, you empower them to become responsible stewards of the environment.