The International Year of Plant Health 2020 is an opportunity to raise global awareness on how protecting plant health can help end hunger, reduce poverty, protect biodiversity and the environment, and boost economic development.

Launched by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Year of Plant Health (IYPH) aims to highlight the importance of plant health on global food security, while sharing best practices for keeping plants healthy and protecting the environment.

“Plant health is usually considered the discipline that uses a range of measures to control and prevent pests, weeds and disease causing organisms to spread into new areas, especially through human interaction such as international trade.” FAO

Throughout 2020, the FOA, along with its International Plant Protection Convention, will be promoting plant health and highlighting the role that everyone plays in prevention and protection. Visit the International Year of Plant Health website for information, ways to take action and a listing of events.

As a retailer or agronomist, there are several ways you can contribute to the IYPH. One way is by submitting photographs to the photo contest. Amateur and professional photographers are encouraged to submit photos in the following categories:

• Unhealthy Plants – Take photographs of pests attacking plants, or the damage being caused. Pests are defined as any species, strain or type of plant, animal or pathogen that damage plants or plant products. They include insects, virus, bacteria, nematodes and invasive plants.
• Healthy Plants - Capture the natural beauty of plants and reflect their importance as the source of the air we breathe, our food and as protectors of our environment.

Click here for more details, prizes and entry instructions: IYPH Photo Contest

Share Your Story With the World

You can also help spread awareness about plant health by sharing a story of plant health from your own experience. A selection of stories submitted to the FAO will be translated into six languages and shared with an international audience through a variety of platforms including social and traditional media, exhibits and events.

The FAO is looking for stories that show at least one of the following:

• how someone (farmer, public or private sector employee, student, etc.) has
contributed to plant health
• the damage caused by plant pests and diseases. This will help people understand
the gravity of the problem. They can also show what actions can be taken to address
these problems
• how plant health can help end hunger, reduce poverty, protect the environment,
or boost economic development.

Stories can be submitted, using the guidelines and template provided here: My Story 
Submission deadline is February 15, 2020.