The UK government has launched its International Action Plan for Plant Health 2026-2030, outlining 20 international ambitions designed to protect plants, trees and agricultural industries from the growing threat of invasive pests and diseases. The strategy builds on progress made since 2022 and aims to strengthen global partnerships, scientific research and biosecurity measures.
The five-year plan focuses on global pest monitoring, international standards, research and development, market access, and international engagement. It recognises that increasing global trade, travel and climate change continue to heighten the risk of harmful plant pests spreading across borders.
Since the previous action plan was introduced, the UK has established a coordinated pest reporting system and submitted outbreak reports for significant threats, including tomato brown rugose fruit virus, the Colorado beetle and hornbeam decline. The country has also played a leading role in developing the International Plant Protection Convention’s Pest Outbreak Alert and Response System, which helps countries identify and respond more quickly to emerging biosecurity risks.
For the horticulture and floriculture sectors, the updated strategy reinforces the importance of international collaboration to safeguard plant health, support safe trade and improve resilience against future pest and disease outbreaks. Annual reviews will monitor progress and ensure the plan remains responsive to emerging global threats.
Read more at Gov.uk.
