### Launch of the #PlantHealth4Life Campaign
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Commission (EC) have kicked off the third year of the #PlantHealth4Life campaign. This important initiative, involving partners from across Europe, is designed to protect plant health and raise public awareness about its vital role in our environment, economy, and daily life. This year’s campaign aims to deepen engagement both within the EU and beyond, building on the momentum from its first two years.
### Empowering Citizens
Sylvain Giraud, head of the Plant Health Unit at the Directorate General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE), emphasized the transformative power of informed citizens. He stated, “When citizens understand the vital role of plant health in their lives—from the food on their tables to the air they breathe—they become powerful agents of change.” The campaign focuses on instilling awareness that each individual can contribute to the preservation of plant health through informed choices.
### The Science Behind Plant Health
The significance of plant health extends beyond mere aesthetics; it intertwines with the complexities of our ecosystems. Giuseppe Stancanelli, team leader for plant health risk assessment at EFSA, highlighted that “a plant isn’t just a plant—it can carry other living organisms too.” Given the interconnectedness of our world, plants move more than ever, which demands a scientific, risk-based assessment to manage potential threats. This is critical for protecting agriculture, biodiversity, and our environment.
### Strengthening Collaboration Across Borders
This year’s campaign emphasizes participation and collaboration. With partners from 26 EU member states, five pre-accession countries, and Switzerland, #PlantHealth4Life seeks to inspire critical thinking about the connections between healthy plants, the environment, and everyday lives. The campaign encourages not just reflection but also citizen engagement, urging individuals to spread knowledge and inspire collective efforts to safeguard ecosystems.
### The Impact of Healthy Plants
The role of plants in our daily lives cannot be overstated. They constitute 80% of our food sources, support animal agriculture, and purify the air we breathe. Healthy plants are essential for sustaining agricultural yield, directly influencing food availability and pricing for consumers. With climate change and human activities, such as increased trade and travel, plants are under significant pressure.
For example, the destruction caused by Xylella fastidiosa, a bacterial pathogen affecting olive trees in southern Italy, exemplifies the risks posed by plant diseases. This epidemic has devastated local economies and biodiversity over the past decade.
### Raising Collective Awareness
Despite the critical role of plant health, many people are still unaware of its importance. The #PlantHealth4Life initiative aims to close this gap by increasing collective awareness of risks and empowering individuals to take action. Andrzej Chodkowski, chief inspector of plant health in Poland, encourages community involvement: “Protecting plants, protecting life!” is the ethos that underpins the campaign.
### Getting Involved
Every European citizen plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy plants. Interested individuals can visit the #PlantHealth4Life campaign website, where they will find resources such as press materials, social media tools, and videos designed to engage the public.
The campaign specifically targets groups including:
– **Curious Travelers**: Those who love exploring the world’s diverse flora.
– **Gardeners**: Individuals tending to their home gardens—flowers, vegetables, and trees.
– **Conscientious Parents**: Families keen on ensuring the health of the food they provide and committed to protecting farming communities and biodiversity for the future.
### Campaign Activities
This year, #PlantHealth4Life will actively participate in fairs, exhibitions, and educational programs throughout participating countries. To learn more about events happening in specific regions, participants are encouraged to check the campaign’s national pages and stay informed about upcoming activities.
### About the Initiative
#PlantHealth4Life is a multi-year, multinational campaign initiated at the request of the European Commission. It is based on thorough research into citizen perceptions and behaviors regarding plant health across the EU.
Looking ahead to 2025, the campaign will expand its reach, welcoming ten new participants: Austria, Bulgaria, Italy, the Netherlands, and Romania will join the existing 21 EU member states. Additionally, four new pre-accession countries—Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Turkey—will join, enriching the message of #PlantHealth4Life alongside Montenegro and Switzerland.
